Food Programs

NOURISHING KIDS AND TEENS

At the Y, we know that food is fuel for growing bodies and a critical part of development. That's why we are working to ensure that children in our child care programs and beyond have access to healthy food.

The YMCA of the Sandhills participates in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a USDA program that supports our Food Services programming through federal reimbursements and nutrition guidelines and enables children and teens to access healthy food at no cost to them while school is out for the summer. The Fayetteville YMCA also participates in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) at our Fayetteville YMCA after school program to ensure access to nutritious food. 

SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

In Summer 2025, the YMCA of the Sandhills distributed 36,200 free nourishing meals to kids and teens in Harnett County during our first year participating in the Summer Food Service Program's (SFSP) Non-congreate Meal Site program. In Summer 2026, the Y is again hosting a SUN Meals To-Go site in Lillington to serve all children and teens ages 18 and under who are eligible. 

SUMMER 2026: FREE MEALS FOR KIDS AND TEENS IN NEED

WHEN:

• Thursdays , June 4 - August 6, 2026
• 3:30-6:00 pm

WHERE: 

• Word Education Church
• 26 Word Church Lane, Lillington, NC

WHAT'S IN THE BOX: 

• 7 days of breakfasts and 7 days of lunches per box
• Boxes include fruit, vegetables, whole grains, protein and and milk.,
• One box per child/teen.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A BOX:

• Children and teens 18 and under who are not already participating in a summer feeding programs or receiving meals through a school program are eligible.
• Parents may pick up boxes for their children who are registered under their household.
• Children may pick up boxes for themselves only--not for siblings.

PRE-REGISTRATION:

• Pre-registration is not required, but it is recommended to save time at pick-up.
• Boxes are first-come, first-served.
• Registering does not guarantee you a box so please arrive as early as possible to ensure you receive a box.

Y SUPER SNACKS

Through our participation in the CACFP and SFSP, we are able to provide a nutritious, 5-component super snack (Milk, Meat/Meat Alternative, Vegetable, Fruit, and Whole Grain) at our qualifying After School and Summer Camp sites. Our Y Super Snacks and the difference a healthy meal can make to a hungry child.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE 

Our YMCA Afterschool Program at the Fayetteville YMCA follows Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards by offering a healthy snack ("Super Snacks") and plenty of indoor and outdoor playtime. Our particpiation in the CACFP program under YMCA of Southeatern North Carolina's sponsorship enables us to provide this to kids afterschool, along with nutrition education, homework help and enrichment activities.

TEENS GIVING BACK THROUGH SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM

The Y’s teen programs (Leaders in Training, Counselors in Training and Get Summer) provides young people the opportunity to serve their community by volunteering with the Summer Food Service Program. Teens help distribute healthy meals to children and families, assist with organizing food service sites, and create a welcoming environment for participants. Through their involvement, they gain leadership skills, build a sense of responsibility, and make a meaningful impact by helping ensure that kids in their community have access to nutritious meals during the summer months.

The program brings the Y’s areas of focus—Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility—to life by empowering teens to lead, supporting healthy nutrition, and strengthening the community.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Donate online!

Volunteer:  We always appreciate an extra set of hands around the Y! We can accept volunteers that have been accepted through our application process to help us during distribution on Thursdays from 3-6:30pm from June -August. Download our Volunteer Application and email to Kelly Goodman.  

Food Services volunteer tasks include sorting donated food, bagging up food to be distributed, assisting with food distribution, and delivering donations to our partners.