Member Update 3/31/20

Sherman Lake YMCA partners with the YMCA of Kalamazoo to increase free meal distribution.

March 31, 2020, Kalamazoo, MI: Beginning this week, a collaboration between the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo and Sherman Lake YMCA will provide up to 1,000 meals per day (500 lunch/500 dinner) to Kalamazoo youth and their families. The meal program is meant to provide supplemental support to Kalamazoo Public Schools’ grab-and-go food distribution efforts.

“Our schools continue to provide a critical safety net for vulnerable families,” said Dave Morgan, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo. “KPS is doing a wonderful job of distributing breakfast and lunches but there are families that we are finding that can fall through the cracks, and that’s where we step in.”

Both YMCAs have already been delivering and distributing meals on their own during the statewide closures of schools and businesses, but the collaboration between the two organizations will help magnify each others’ efforts. Sherman Lake YMCA’s robust kitchen facilities have the capacity to support the increased volume and the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo will be providing their bus for deliveries. And, staff from both Ys will work together to execute the program. Food will come from local grocers and suppliers as well as food pantries.

Distributing food to vulnerable families is a continuation of the YMCA’s commitment to identifying and meeting critical needs during challenging times, according to Sherman Lake YMCA CEO Zach Klipsch.

"The YMCA is an organization based around community. We are much more than a gym or camp; our mission is to serve those who need us in whatever way we can. Right now that means providing meals for all those affected by covid-19. It's been humbling to see the many ways the greater Kalamazoo and Battle Creek areas have stepped up to keep each other safe and healthy, the Sherman Lake YMCA is proud to be part of that effort and thankful to have a great partner in the Kalamazoo YMCA. Together we will continue to do whatever we can to help our community, just like we have in the past and as we will into the future."

The project will be partially subsidized through reimbursement from the state of Michigan but both YMCAs welcome donations to help fund the effort. “The goal of both of our Ys is to make sure our families survive this crisis, and it starts with making sure children and families don’t go hungry,” said Morgan.

Meal Distribution Schedule

Lunch
11:00 -11:20am
Gull Run/Gull Prairie Apartments - 4495 Gull Run Dr.

11:30-11:50am
Riverview Co-op - 1028 Bridge St.

Dinner
4:00-4:20pm
Savannah Trace Town Homes - 5066 Meadows Blvd.

4:30-4:50pm
Douglass Community Association - 1000 W Paterson St.

About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

For more information:
www.kzooymca.org
www.shermanlakeymca.org

(Both websites have information and special resources related to COVID impact.)