<\/p>\n
Children age 18 and under can pick-up a free meal at the Hibernia Fire Station every Friday from 3:00pm to 4:00pm beginning October 2.<\/u><\/u><\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/p>\n
The program, which began in March 2019, is a partnership of the Allentown Health Bureau, Greater Valley YMCA and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 302. It had to be suspended this past March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/u><\/u><\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/p>\n
The program resumes \u201cGrab and Go\u201d style, with bagged meals prepared by the Greater Valley YMCA and served by the fire union.\u00a0 Everyone receives a bundle of meals to cover the weekend.<\/u><\/u><\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/p>\n
\u201cThis proven program keeps children fed over the weekend,\u201d said Allentown Mayor Ray O\u2019Connell.\u00a0 \u201cWith all Allentown School District students qualifying for free and reduced school meals and with significant levels of food insecurity experienced in many Allentown families, this partnership meets a critical need.\u201d<\/u><\/u><\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/p>\n
David Fagerstrom, President and CEO at the Greater Valley YMCA, shares \u201cWe know 1 in 6 children struggle with hunger, according to Feeding America. \u00a0At the Y, we\u2019re committed to healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility – and we are a partner on this project so that the Y can provide food and nutrition to our community members in need.\u00a0 This Firehouse Fridays feeding program aligns perfectly with the Y mission and areas of focus; for the Y, it\u2019s another great collaboration with the city and another important connection to the community.\u201d<\/u><\/u><\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/p>\n
Local 302 President Jeremy Warmkessel said, \u201cIAFF Local 302 embraces the opportunity to partner with the City of Allentown and Greater Lehigh Valley Y in providing meals to the children of our Allentown.\u201d<\/u><\/u><\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/p>\n
O\u2019Connell praised the Greater Valley YMCA and Local 302 for their participation in the program. \u201cExceptional things happen when as a community, as a city, we come together to help those who need it most.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Information provided to TVL by:
\nMike Moore
\nCommunications Manager
\nMayor’s Office
\n 435 Hamilton Street
\n Allentown, PA 18101
\n Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
\nhttp:\/\/www.AllentownPA.gov
\n
\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Children age 18 and under can pick-up a free meal at the Hibernia Fire Station every Friday from 3:00pm to 4:00pm beginning October 2.\u00a0 The program, which began in … Continue reading FIREHOUSE FRIDAYS RESUME WITH GRAB & GO MEALS<\/span>