The YMCA of Montclair and Toni’s Kitchen have teamed up to ensure that students who might not otherwise be able to afford it, have access to healthy foods at home. Starting this month, families in Montclair with demonstrated need, who attend the YMCA’s School Age Child Care Program, will receive a weekly backpack of healthy and nutritious foods supplied by Toni’s Kitchen. Both the YMCA and Toni’s Kitchen are dedicated to helping the health and wellness of those in the community.
The YMCA has a longstanding tradition of providing scholarships to families experiencing financial difficulties. Families who are facing financial difficulties can
struggle to put healthy food on the table. Toni’s Kitchen has successfully provided nutritious food to low-income families through their Healthy Backpack Program and their other wide range of services.
“When low-income families are thrown into financial turmoil due to the loss of a job or a significant health crisis, they’re faced with difficult choices. Basic costs—utilities, transportation, childcare, healthcare and nutrition—all compete for scarce resources.” explains YMCA of Montclair CEO Jo Ann Short. In 2014, 139 Montclair families participating in the Y’s School Age Child Care Program received financial assistance.
During the YMCA’s School Age Child Care Program, children do homework, learn and have fun in a warm, caring and safe environment. By making healthy food available on a predictable basis and integrating the connection of healthy food with high-quality child care, a significant burden is lifted from families. “Our goal,” said Anne Mernin, Director of Outreach at Toni’s Kitchen, “is to help low-income families navigate difficult life events in ways that protect regular availability of high-quality nutrition.”
To support the YMCAs Aftercare Program, go to http://www.montclairymca.org/
To support the Healthy Backpack Program, go to www.toniskitchen.org