Annual program served up many meals

VW independent staff/submitted information

The YWCA of Van Wert County’s 30th annual Summer Food Program has come to a successful conclusion. The longstanding initiative focuses on combating food insecurity and enriching the lives of local youth during the summer months, when school is out of session.

This year’s program, hosted at Trinity Friends Church, served 4,634 meals to area children and youths, with 157 participants registered.

“We are proud to celebrate thirty years of feeding and empowering local youth,” said Betsy Hamman, Director of Youth Development. “This milestone is a reflection of our community’s generosity and a shared commitment to youth in Van Wert County.”

In addition to daily meals, children engaged in a variety of enriching activities, thanks to the YWCA’s community partners, which included:

• Wassenberg Art Center
• SNAP-Ed
• 4-H
• Portal 2:20 Teen Center
• Brumback Library
• Van Wert Soil & Water Conservation District
• Van Wert High School Robotics Team
• Van Wert Cinemas
• Camp Clay
• Van Wert Elementary School STEM Camp
• Calvary Church IMPACT Group

“These partners provided hands-on educational experiences, creative outlets, and memorable summer adventures that helped broaden horizons and build lasting memories,” Hamman said. “The YWCA extends a heartfelt thank you to all staff, volunteers, donors, and program partners who made the summer program possible.”

The YWCA is partially funded by the United Way of Van Wert County and the Van Wert County Foundation.