Food Programs at the Y
Fighting Hunger. Feeding Hope.
At the YMCA of East Tennessee, we believe everyone deserves access to nutritious food and the peace of mind that comes from knowing their family won’t go hungry. Through our Food Programs, the Y helps meet essential needs in our community — serving families with children healthy meals and snacks year-round.
Summer Food Program
In 2025, the YMCA of East Tennessee began a Summer Food Program, serving more than 650 children in rural East Tennessee communities throughout the summer. Children in Washburn, Rutledge, and Luttrell received a week’s worth of meals, 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 14 cartons of milk. Parents were able to pick up meals once a week at an elementary school in their community. Over the course of the summer, our Y served 92,000 meals for these families!
Why It Matters:
During the school year, many families depend on school meals to help ensure their children receive enough to eat. When school is out for summer, it can be tough for families to feed 3 full meals at home. Rural communities sometimes lack the resources, and food banks to support these families, especially in the summer months.
Moving Forward:
In the summer of 2026, the YMCA of East Tennessee plans to expand our Summer Food Program to 3 counties, moving from just 3 school sites to 10 or more. Our expected impact is close to half a million meals served next summer!
Get Involved:
Email gro.nteacmy@doof to learn more, donate, or volunteer your time.
YMCA After School Super Supper
The YMCA of East Tennessee recognizes that food insecurity affects families year-round, not just during the summer months. At eight Knox County schools serving some of our community’s most vulnerable families, the Y has expanded its after-school snack program into a full “Super Supper.” These packaged meals include all five USDA meal components; a grain, meat or meat alternative, fruit, vegetable, and milk. With this Super Supper in place of standard snack time, the Y ensures that more than 300 children in our Y After School Program can focus on learning, playing, and making friends, rather than worrying about where their next meal will come from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Super Supper Meals are available to children in select YMCA After School programs. Summer Food Program meals are available to anyone with a child under the age of 18. A one-time sign-up will be available at the beginning of the summer. Families may sign up or join the Summer Food Program at any point throughout the summer.
Luttrell Elementary, Washburn School, and Rutledge Elementary. In 2026, the YMCA of East Tennessee anticipates expanding into 4 counties and 10 food delivery sites.
Yes! Volunteers of all backgrounds are welcome to help pack, serve, and distribute meals.
Yes. The YMCA of East Tennessee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
