Summer food programs serving Valley's needs

Justin Strawser, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·3 min read

Jun. 22—MIFFLINBURG — The need for a free summer lunch program is apparent in the Valley, according to Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA officials.

Angela Haines, the director of operations in Mifflinburg, said the federally-funded, state-administered summer meals nutrition program in Mifflinburg is one of eight local sites in Northumberland and Union counties sponsored by the Milton YMCA. The Mifflinburg program is held at the Mifflinburg Community Park at North Fifth Street every Tuesday and Thursday until Aug. 15.

"Last year was the first time we offered the food program in Mifflinburg with free lunches twice a week," Haines said. "We served 20 to 45 meals each day last year. We saw the need and wanted to expand. The backpack program sponsored by local churches serves free food for kids on the weekends during the school year. There's a need for that to keep going during the summer."

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is federally funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered through the state Department of Education's Summer Meals Nutrition Program.

The primary intent is to help replace the loss of school breakfast and lunch during summer vacation from school, and to help children get the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow throughout the summer months. The Milton YMCA has sponsored the program for 32 years, Haines said.

Last year, 82,374 meals were served to 1,113 children across all the distribution sites. The 2024 Mifflinburg program started June 11 with 30 meals and have increased to 45 meals this week.

"Applications are put in through the state for approval," Haines said. "We applied this year for more distribution and Mifflinburg was approved. It's based on household income."

The program is free for anyone under the age of 18 regardless of income level. Haines said the only requirement is that the children need to be with an adult when picking up the food.

Each bag on Tuesday consists of two lunches and two breakfasts while each bag on Thursday consists of five lunches and five breakfasts. Each lunch consists of a sandwich with bread and protein, a vegetable, a fruit and a carton of milk. Each breakfast consists of cereal or muffin, fruit and milk.

Staff worker Stephanie Maletta usually helps pack the meals in the morning, but she helped to distribute the meals on Tuesday.

"I like being able to help fulfill the needs in the community," she said.

"It definitely helps," Courtney Hockenberry, of Mifflinburg, said.

Hockenberry said she has three children: a 13-year-old son, a 10-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter. Her oldest son eats a lot.

"He's eating me out of house and home," she said. "This is great. We came last year too. I'm glad they're doing it again."

Katy Gangloff, of Mifflinburg, picked up food for her children, Sara, 11, and John, 4.

"We love it," she said. "We think it's a very nice program. It's helpful."

The food distribution is held from 11 a.m. to noon at the park every Tuesday and Thursday through August.

Food can also be picked up Monday through Friday at Brown Avenue Park in Milton at 11 a.m.; Fort Discovery Park at 11 a.m.; the Fifth Street Playground in Milton at 11 a.m.; Oppenheimer Playground in Sunbury at 11:30 a.m.; Columbia Avenue in Milton at 11:45 a.m.; Milton Village in Milton at 11:45 a.m.; and Mahoning Acres in Milton at 12:20 p.m. There is also a delivery program starting in Lewisburg.