CLEARFIELD – The YMCA of Centre County has announced the implementation of its Backpack Program in the Clearfield Area School District.
The Backpack Program began nearly 10 years ago as a way to ensure that school-aged children have food to eat on weekends when they’re not able to access free and reduced meals at school.
The program is currently in eight school districts, CenClear Head Start programs and six charter schools across Centre and Clearfield counties.
For the past few months, representatives from the Clearfield Area School District and YMCA of Centre County have been discussing the implementation of this program for students throughout the district.
This effort is currently being spearheaded by community supporters with a goal of raising $50,000 to fight food insecurity for students in the Clearfield Area School District.
“How can we ask kids to come to school focused and ready to learn when they may be dealing with bigger issues in their home lives, like not having enough to eat,” expresses Clearfield graduate and local real estate professional Christian Lezzer on social media. “This is the heart of the Backpack Program.
“Through the Backpack Program, we will provide Clearfield area students facing food insecurity with essential meals for weekends and school breaks.
“Each Friday, these children receive bags filled with nutritious food, enabling them to return to school ready to engage and succeed.
“As we meet with community leaders to raise funds, I’m proud to announce my personal commitment of $5,000 to jumpstart this vital program within the Clearfield Area School District.
“Together, we can ensure that no child has to worry about their next meal, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: their education and future.”
For more information about this program, contact Mel Curtis, YMCA of Centre County Anti-Hunger Program director, at 814-801-0111 or mcurtis@ymcaocc.org.
About the Y:
Driven by its founding mission, the Y serves as a leading non-profit committed to strengthening communities.
The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive.
By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across communities.
