Anti-Hunger Initiatives

Fighting Hunger - Fueling Futures 

The Rome Y is known for our summer camps, fitness centers, and swimming lessons. But did you know, the Y’s anti hunger initiatives play a pivotal role year-round, including the critical summer months when children are most at risk?  With the help or our community partners, our footprint and infrastructure, the Rome Y delivers nearly 30,000 pounds of food each month in Floyd County. The Y is uniquely qualified to offer support to many facing hunger, particularly those who may be seeking meal sites for the first time.

While the data indicates hunger rates have been decreasing in recent months, there is still a much higher level of need compared to pre-pandemic numbers—numbers that aren’t expected to drop to pre-pandemic rates for several years. Our efforts to help those in need would not—and could not—be possible without the help and support of donors and partners on both a local and national level. Strategic partnerships and support from corporations, restaurants, local businesses, churches, farms, housing authorities and local governments were fundamental in helping the Y meet the increased need across our community.Thanks to these critical relationships, the Rome Y has established several distribution sites, ensuring that children, families and seniors are able to access healthy and nutritious food.

Today, the Rome Y continues to provide over a half million pounds of healthy food to families and children each year.

Mark your calendar for the following markets! 

 

 

Gilbreath Center 

Monday, July 7 - 10 am to 11 am
Monday, August 4 - 10 am to 11 am

Restoration Rome

Monday, July 7 - 2 pm to 3 pm
Monday, August 4 - 2 pm to 3 pm

Cave Spring Baptist Church

Monday, July 14 - 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Monday, August 11 - 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Produce Market at Grizzard Park

 

 

Each month, the YMCA of Rome and Floyd County proudly distributes over 10,000 pounds of fresh produce through our Complimentary Produce Market at Grizzard Park. This program ensures that families in our community have access to healthy, nutritious food—no cost, no catch. With the help of our incredible partners, we're fighting food insecurity one veggie at a time. 🍎🥦🥕 Stay tuned—this market returns in August 20.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   SUMMER-Stay & Play

 

   This summer, the YMCA of Rome and Floyd County is serving up free meals and fun at two neighborhood sites—Restoration Rome and Dutch Gardens—as part of our Stay & Play Lunch & Activities program. Open to all kids 18 and under, this initiative provides not just food, but community, games, and safe summer engagement. With support from local partners, we’re making sure no child goes hungry while school’s out. 🍉☀️ Come hungry, leave happy—now through July 24!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

SUMMER-Grab & Go

 

The YMCA’s Grab & Go Summer Meals program is keeping kids fueled with free 5-day meal packs—complete with breakfast and supper for anyone 18 and under. Swing by Cave Spring Baptist Church on Tuesdays or Grizzard Park on Wednesdays through the end of July to pick up a full week of nourishment, no questions asked. 🧃🍽️ This effort, made possible by an amazing network of partners, helps ensure every child has what they need to grow, play, and thrive all summer long.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volunteer and Help Fight Hunger in our Community!

We are grateful for our Community Partners!

We are fortunate to work with many dedicated and creative community partners to deliver year-round FREE programs.  

The Rome YMCA raises over $100,000 a year to make this program possible for our community. Please consider supporting these vital programs by giving of your time and your financial resources.  

Help us ensure all families have the healthy, nutritious food they need to thrive. Learn more about the Y’s hunger relief efforts and how you can support this essential work contact Amanda White, Director of Anti-hunger Initiatives, at awhite@ymcarome.org

Our Partners:

AdventHealth Redmond, Aramark, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Atrium Health Floyd, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Cave Spring Baptist Church, Food Lion Foundation, Good Sports Foundation, Georgia Power, Happy Helpings, Homegrown Family Foods, International Paper Foundation, Junior Service League, Metta Tree Foundation, Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging, Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries, RACA, Restoration Rome, Rome-Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth, Rome-Floyd Parks & Recreation Authority, Shaw Industries, Summit Hill Foods, Tyson Foods Foundation, United Way of Rome and Floyd County!