Hunger doesn’t take the weekend off. For many children in our community, the end of the school week means stepping into two long days of uncertainty—days when the meals they count on at school are no longer available.
We know that full plates fuel students, and when children have enough to eat, they’re better able to listen and learn, concentrate on their lessons, build friendships, and increase their confidence. Without that stability, hunger takes the front seat, leaving little room for focus or success. The impact of food insecurity goes far beyond growling stomachs. The stress and worry of not knowing when their next meal will come chips away at their ability to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
At the YMCA, we believe that every child deserves to start each school week ready to learn. That’s why our the YMCA Buddy Bags program (formerly BackPack Buddies) exists. For nearly twenty years, our generous donors have made sure that hungry children in Livingston County have the opportunity to go home each Friday with a bag filled with healthy, kid-friendly meals and snacks. These weekend bags provide more than nutrition—they offer stability, comfort, and the chance to return on Monday ready to grow.
In partnership with Grand River Vocational Technical School, the Grand River YMCA's Buddy Bag program provides easy to serve breakfasts, lunches, and snacks to more than 150 children each weekend during the school year, including extended breaks.
If you would like to support the Buddy Bag program or if you believe your child would benefit from participating in the program, please email Shawn Hurtgen at shurtgen@grandriverymca.org or call the Y at (660) 646-6677.