YMCA Cape Cod and Project Bread ensure food access for low-income students Free Grab & Go Meals available at 8 sites for 18 and under

West Barnstable, Mass. –

As the Commonwealth adjusts to COVID-19 restrictions, YMCA Cape Cod, in partnership with Project Bread, has adapted existing programs to ensure Cape Cod children and families can continue accessing needed resources in the context of a global pandemic.

Stacie Peugh, YMCA Cape Cod CEO observes, “As food insecurity rises sharply due to COVID-19, many families are looking for additional resources to access food. In Massachusetts, 1 in 5 children are now experiencing food insecurity, nearly doubling pre-pandemic numbers. Federal unemployment benefits may also expire soon, leaving many communities worried about an influx of families looking for support. We are excited to be able to meet this need in our communities thanks to this partnership.”

In Barnstable, Sandwich, & Falmouth, YMCA Cape Cod has been providing summer meals since June, and has served more than 260 children per day between the organization’s eight sites.

Locally, there are eight meal sites. Packaged meals are provided in a family grab and go style outside.

• Cromwell Court, 168 Barnstable Road, Hyannis, MA 02601, Meals served M-F, 12-1pm 
• Faith Assembly, 154 Bearses Way, Hyannis MA 02601, Meals served Tuesdays from 11:30-12:30pm (distribution for 7 days-worth of meals) 
• Camp Lyndon, 117 Stowe Road, Sandwich MA 02563, Meals served M-F during camp hours 
• Village Green Apartments, 767 Independence Dr., Hyannis MA 02601 
• Sturgis Library, 3090 Main Street Barnstable MA 02630, Meals served Wednesdays from 12-1pm 
• Camp 132, 2245 Iyannough Rd. West Barnstable MA 02668, Meals served M-F from 12-1pm 
• YMCA Cape Cod Lyndon P Lorusso Early Education Center, 2245 Iyannough Rd West Barnstable during camp hours 
• YMCA Cape Cod Falmouth Day Camp, 113 Lakeview Ave. Falmouth during camp hours

Any child 18 and under can receive a meal and no registration or ID is required. Employees wear face coverings and maintain a proper safe social distance.

“Every day, I see the thrill and gratitude from children and families firsthand,” says Barbara Burgo, Food Service Coordinator for the YMCA Cape Cod. “I would like to keep that going. We will remain open through the end of August and will work to continue feeding children into the fall if schools are closed.”