Creating Healthy Families and Communities

COMBATING FOOD INSECURITY

In Southwest Florida, approximately 20.4% of children experience food insecurity, surpassing the national average of 17%. This translates to over 46,000 children in our region who may not know where their next meal is coming from.

Through our Child Care Food Program, we provide nutritious meals to children at no additional cost while they are in our care. By addressing hunger, we lay the foundation for healthier, more resilient communities.

SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM

As part of our commitment to strengthening community and supporting healthy living, YMCA of Southwest Florida proudly operates a robust Summer Food Program. This initiative provides free, nutritious meals to children 18 and under across DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, and South Sarasota counties. Through convenient weekly distribution sites and on-site meal service, children receive up to 14 meals per week—ensuring consistent access to breakfast and lunch during the summer months when school meals are unavailable. In 2025, volunteers are essential to this work—packing food bundles and assisting with distribution to ensure no child goes hungry. Together, we’re tackling food insecurity head-on and building brighter, healthier futures for local families.

BUILDING RESILIENCE

Our licensed mental health counselors offer comprehensive services, including individual and family counseling, to support the emotional well-being of youth and families in Southwest Florida. These services are crucial in helping young individuals navigate challenges and build resilience.

ENSURING SAFETY AND AWARENESS

Child abuse remains a critical issue, with 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys in the U.S. experiencing sexual abuse by the age of 18. To combat this, we participate in the national "Five Days of Action" campaign, aimed at raising awareness and empowering adults to take meaningful steps to prevent child sexual abuse.