In The Valley, Press Release

The GIANT Company and River Crossing YMCA Combat Food Insecurity

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(L-R) Volunteers from The GIANT Company Sheri Moyer, Aida Matos and Jen Hinkle assemble fresh produce bags for free distribution at the Bethlehem branch of River Crossing YMCA on July 16. (photo courtesy of River Crossing YMCA)

BETHLEHEM – River Crossing YMCA hosted volunteers from The GIANT Company at its Bethlehem branch on Tuesday, July 16. The event celebrated the partnership between the Y and The GIANT Company in support of crucial food access initiatives in Bucks County and the Lehigh Valley.

(L-R) Volunteers from The GIANT Company Sheri Moyer, Aida Matos and Jen Hinkle assemble fresh produce bags for free distribution at the Bethlehem branch of River Crossing YMCA on July 16. (photo courtesy of River Crossing YMCA)
Students from the Pre-K Counts class at the Morrisville Child Care Center of River Crossing YMCA enjoy their healthy lunch served by volunteers from The GIANT Company on June 4. (photo courtesy of River Crossing YMCA)
(L-R) Maribel Tandazo, senior director of community impact for River Crossing YMCA; Maggie Lester, director of corporate fundraising and special events; Aida Matos and Sheri Moyer, volunteers from The GIANT Company; Kate Cohen, vice president of development for the Lehigh Valley region of River Crossing YMCA; Jen Hinkle, volunteer from The GIANT Company celebrate the donation of healthy meals to the Y at the Bethlehem branch on July 16. (photo courtesy of River Crossing YMCA) (photo courtesy of River Crossing YMCA)
Sheri Moyer (right), volunteer from The GIANT Company, distributes free bags of fresh produce to community members outside the Bethlehem branch of River Crossing YMCA on July 16. (photo courtesy of River Crossing YMCA)
Angela Cloak, director of Pre-K Counts at the Morrisville Child Care Center of River Crossing YMCA (far left), works with volunteers from The GIANT Company to distribute milk to students at the center on June 4. (photo courtesy of River Crossing YMCA)

Volunteers from The GIANT Company toured the YMCA in Bethlehem, then assembled 50 produce bags which were distributed for free to community adults. All the produce distributed was sourced from local farms and growers.

“For the last seven years we have worked to increase distribution of free meals and snacks to our Lehigh Valley neighbors,” explained Kate Cohen, vice president of development for the Lehigh Valley region of River Crossing YMCA. “As River Crossing YMCA, our expanded partnership with The GIANT Company will help us provide more meals to adults and seniors in need, supporting the whole family unit.”

On June 4th, leaders from River Crossing YMCA and The GIANT Company met at the Y’s Morrisville Youth Education Center to celebrate their ongoing partnership. Together, they combat childhood food insecurity in Bucks County, providing vital nutrition to hundreds of children in childcare, ensuring USDA-recommended daily dairy servings.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with The GIANT Company providing milk to children in Bucks County,” said Maggie Lester, director of corporate fundraising and special events for River Crossing YMCA. “This initiative ensures that children receive essential nutrition, allowing them to thrive and enjoy their childhood. Together with The GIANT Company, we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of our community’s youngest members.”

The GIANT Company has provided a generous gift for the Y to distribute over 6,000 gallons of milk to children and to provide over 5,000 free meals provided to adults and seniors in our branches, classrooms, and neighborhood locations throughout Bucks, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties.

“The GIANT Company is committed to eliminating hunger and providing all families with access to nutritious food,” said Courtney Hopcraft, manager of community relations and charitable giving for The GIANT Company. “By partnering with River Crossing YMCA, we can meet children and adults of all ages where they are to ensure proper nutrition to live healthy lifestyles.”

In 2023, the Y provided over 240,000 nutritious meals and snacks to children and adults at risk of food insecurity in Bucks County and the Lehigh Valley.

River Crossing YMCA (formerly YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and GreaterValley YMCA) is a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Annually, the Y serves over 142,000 members and participants at its twelve member branches, 13 early childhood centers, 20 summer camp locations and 37 school age child care programs. River Crossing YMCA provides over $12 million of community impact annually in the form of financial assistance to individuals and families in need and free programming for veterans, cancer survivors, older adults and more. To learn more visit ymcarivercrossing.org.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Michael Reisman