MIFFLINBURG — Officials with the Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA say there is a clear need for a free summer lunch program in the Valley.
Mifflinburg’s summer food and nutrition program, funded by the federal government and run by the state, is one of eight local sites in Northumberland and Union counties sponsored by the Milton YMCA, said Angela Haynes, Mifflinburg’s operations director. The Mifflinburg program will be held every Tuesday and Thursday through Aug. 15 at Mifflinburg Community Park on North Fifth Street.
“Last year was the first time we did a twice-weekly free lunch program in Mifflinburg,” Haynes said, “We provided 20-45 meals each day last year. We saw a need and wanted to expand. Our backpack program, sponsored by a local church, provides free meals to kids on weekends during the school year. We want to continue that program through the summer.”
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered through the State Department of Education’s Summer Food and Nutrition Program.
The primary goal is to make up for the loss of breakfast and lunch at school over the summer and ensure kids get the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow over the summer. Haynes said the Milton YMCA has sponsored the program for 32 years.
Last year, 82,374 meals were served to 1,113 children across all distribution locations. The 2024 Mifflinburg program began June 11 with 30 meals and increased to 45 meals this week.
“The application is approved through the state,” Haynes said, “This year we applied for an increased distribution and Mifflinburg was approved. It’s based on household income.”
The program is free and open to anyone under the age of 18, regardless of income level. Haynes said the only condition is that children must be accompanied by an adult when picking up the food.
On Tuesday each bag contains 2 lunches and 2 breakfasts. On Thursday each bag contains 5 lunches and 5 breakfasts. Lunch contains bread, a protein sandwich, vegetables, fruit and a carton of milk. Breakfast contains cereal or muffin, fruit and milk.
Staff member Stephanie Maretta usually helps pack meals in the morning, but on Tuesday she helped distribute them.
“I love being able to help meet a need in the community,” she said.
“It definitely helps,” said Courtney Hockenberry of Mifflinburg.
Hockenberry said she has three children: a son, aged 13, a son, aged 10, and a daughter, aged 11. Her oldest son is a good eater.
“He’s eating my house and my home,” she said. “This is amazing. He came last year. I’m happy he’s doing it again.”
Mifflinburg resident Katie Gangloff bought food for her children, Sarah, 11, and John, 4.
“We love it,” she said. “We think it’s a great program. It helps.”
Food distribution will take place at the park every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon throughout the month of August.
Food will also be available for pick-up Monday through Friday at Brown Avenue Park in Milton (11 a.m.), Fort Discovery Park (11 a.m.), 5th Street Playground in Milton (11 a.m.), Oppenheimer Playground in Sunbury (11:30 a.m.), Columbia Avenue in Milton (11:45 a.m.), Milton Village in Milton (11:45 a.m.) and Mahoning Acres in Milton (12:20 p.m.) A delivery program will also be launched in Lewisburg.
