Ridge Girl Scouts, Somerset Hills YMCA Provide 300 Meals To Kids

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — More than 30 Girl Scouts, students from St. James in Basking Ridge, and other youth volunteers at Somerset Hills YMCA worked together to provide food to children in need.

On Oct. 25, Girl Scout Troops #60986 and #63423 and volunteers gathered at the YMCA to assemble "meal packs" as part of the Food Bank Network of Somerset County’s Backpack Program that helps children receive the same nutritional assistance at home that they do at school.

Students who receive free lunch at public elementary schools in Somerset County qualify to receive the packs, which are for children to eat at home in lieu of meals that their families may not be able to afford.

"At the Y, our mission is to make sure everyone in the community has access to the resources they need to learn, grow and thrive," said David M. Carcieri, President and CEO of Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA. "For many children, the only balanced meal they receive on a daily basis is a school lunch. We hope our partnership with the Girl Scout and the Food Bank Network of Somerset County helps children receive proper nutrition around the clock, even when school isn’t in session."

Each pack consisted of one-gallon bags filled with nutritious non-perishable food items such as oatmeal packets, granola bars, applesauce and juice boxes. Girl Scouts, Y staff and members, and members of the community collected the items as part of a food drive that took place throughout October. The group assembled 300 meal packs that were then delivered to area schools.

"I appreciate all the support the Y has provided to the scouts and the food bank to help us run this amazing program," said Jackie Taylor, Girl Scout leader and Food Bank Network of Somerset County board member. "And what I love in particular about this program is that it’s kids helping kids."

For more information about Somerset Hills YMCA and services provided, visit somersetcountyymca.org.

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