The Mexico YMCA (the Y) is making sure local youth won’t go hungry this summer after school is out.

Brooke Oliver, director for the Mexico YMCA, told the Ledger starting July 5 and running through Aug. 11, the Y will offer free meals to anyone under 18 whether or not they are a member; no questions asked. The free meals will be available from noon until 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Oliver said providing free meals isn’t something new to the Y. In 2021 YMCAs across the country provided more than 38 million pounds of food. Oliver said battling child hunger is a top priority of the Y.

“When the school year ends, and summer school closes, children face additional challenges to accessing healthy meals,” Oliver said. “Our summer food program provides daily nutrition to improve children’s well-being.”

The Y offers many after-school programs and sports leagues for Mexico’s youth including basketball, flag football, soccer, tee ball, volleyball, swimming, and many more. The Y will also be offering summer sports camps including biking, camping, and sports camps. ESports is also back and is offered every Wednesday from 5:45 to 7 p.m. and is free for K through sixth graders. There will also be an Esports camp in July.

“Youth development is what our core constructs are so it’s only fitting we offer robust youth programs in the summertime,” Oliver said. “The Y is led by an amazing staff and volunteers who truly care about our members and our youth.

“We may be reaching youth through sport or day camp activities but we are teaching a healthy mind, body, and spirit,” Oliver added.