FOOD PROGRAM

Over 1.6 million individuals in North Carolina face food insecurity, struggling to access affordable, nourishing food. Many of our neighbors live in food deserts, where finding fresh, quality food is a daily challenge.

At the YMCA, we are committed to closing the food insecurity gap and ensuring our community has access to the food they need. Through vital programs, we’re making a difference in Onslow County:

● Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): Provides wholesome meals at after school care sites.

● Summer Food Service Program (SFSP): Offers nutritious meals at multiple locations during the summer when school is out. This includes our dedicated Summer Bites program.

Summer Bites: Free Meals for Kids & Teens

Powered by the New River YMCA + Food Bank of NC

The New River YMCA is proud to serve up healthy, delicious meals all summer long through our Summer Bites program—completely free for all youth under 18. Thanks to our partnership with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, we’re making sure no child goes hungry when school is out.

Program Dates & Times:

Monday–Friday | June 16 – August 15

Breakfast: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Lunch: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Meal Pickup Locations:

● Clyde Erwin Elementary School

● New River YMCA (1940 Gum Branch Rd.)

No registration, ID, or paperwork is required—just show up!

Accessing Other Food Support: The Food Market

Our Food Market provides essential food assistance for the wider community. To ensure everyone is served efficiently, we use an appointment system:

How Food Market Appointments Work:

1. Schedule Your Spot: Appointments are required and must be booked in advance using our online system.

New slots open weekly, so check back often!

2. Confirm Your Appointment: Please confirm your appointment before the scheduled time. Unconfirmed slots may be canceled to make room for others.

3. Arrive On Time: Please arrive at your scheduled time. Late arrivals may need to reschedule based on availability.

4. Need to Cancel or Reschedule? Life happens! Let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone else. Cancellations can be made directly through your appointment link.

Important Policies for Food Market:

● No Call/No Show: Missing a Food Market appointment without notice more than once may affect your ability to schedule future appointments. However, walk-ins are still welcome, subject to availability.

● Respect & Kindness: We’re all in this together! Please treat our staff and fellow participants with respect. Disruptive behavior may result in loss of service privileges.

Join Us in Making a Difference!

We can’t do this alone. Your support helps us provide food for families in need.

● Volunteer with Us: Want to help sort, pack, and distribute food boxes at the Food Market or assist with other programs? Your time makes a huge impact!

● Donate to Support Our Mission: Your generosity helps us continue serving the

Let’s Connect

Have questions about our food market, the Summer Bites program, volunteering, or donating?

We’d love to hear from you!

Olivia.Gentile@newriverymca.org

New River YMCA Strengthening our community, one family at a time