Give the G.I.F.T. of Giving Back, Help Us Fight Food Insecurity

What better way is there to spend a Sunday than giving back? Join the Summit YMCA in partnership with Summit Downtown Inc. and G.R.A.C.E (Giving & Receiving Assistance for our Community's Essentials) at the Summit Farmer’s Market for a rewarding day of positivity, produce and purpose.

The G.I.F.T. or Give It Fresh Today program, run by the Summit Downtown Inc., helps fight Food Insecurity by collecting donations of fresh food from patrons and farmer market vendors. These donations then go to Grace’s Refrigerator in Summit, where they serve 80-90 food insecure families.

But what exactly is food insecurity? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. In a 2017 Research survey the USDA found that 1 in 8 Americans were food insecure. Food insecurity can be as big as the 12 million children in need of a healthy diet, but it can also be as personal as the 80-90 families in the local area who are food insecure.

The Summit YMCA in addition to being dedicated to Youth Development is also highly invested in Healthy Living and Social Responsibility and so we have partnered with Summit Downtown Inc., and G.R.A.C.E to fight food insecurity. Please volunteer with us to man the G.I.F.T. table at the Summit Farmers Market and help us collect nutrient dense foods to Summit’s families. Volunteers must be 18+ years unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. 2 Volunteers needed per shift.

When: Sundays, May 5th – November 24th

Time: 11:30am – 1:45pm

Where: 22 DeForest Avenue Parking lot

Sign up here: https://volunteersignup.org/X9DEW

You will receive a reminder and more information one week prior to your sign up date.

For more information visit: http://www.thesay.org/give

You can find more rewarding and fun volunteer opportunities through the Togetherhood Program. This programs enables us to identify community needs and lead projects to address them with our members. This initiative is focused on helping our community through, Senior Outreach, Cultural Engagement and Special Projects.

For more information visit: https://www.thesay.org/Volunteering/Togetherhood

Questions? Contact:

Patty Facchinei

Executive Assistant

Financial Aid/Volunteer Coordinator

(P) 908 273 3330 x 1174 (F) 908-273-0258

(E) patty.facchinei@theSAY.org (W) www.theSAY.org

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About the Summit Area YMCA

The Summit Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. Founded in 1886, the Summit Area YMCA has a history steeped in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income and background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Each year, we serve more than 10,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those with demonstrated need.