The YMCA is committed to helping address child hunger and ensuring every child in our community has access to nutritious meals and enriching activities. Our food programs, available year-round, aim to alleviate food insecurity while supporting the growth and well-being of children. Through initiatives like the Mission Market, Y Cafe, and Backpack Program, we work tirelessly to provide not only food but also opportunities for learning and physical activity.

We believe that active minds and bodies are essential for children’s success. That’s why, alongside offering nutritious meals, we also provide learning enrichment and physical activities to foster holistic development. Our programs are designed to create a safe, welcoming environment where children can thrive physically, socially, and emotionally.

These efforts would not be possible without the generosity of our community. The YMCA relies on donations from individuals and corporate partners to ensure that no child has to worry about where their next meal will come from. By contributing, you are helping provide children with the food and resources they need to stay healthy, focused, and ready to succeed.

Clarion County YMCA Mission Market

When: Second and fourth Thursday of each month.

The Mission Market serves individuals and families in need of food staples to stretch their budgets. We offer pantry essentials such as canned goods, fresh produce, and more to help ease the burden of rising food costs. Families may pick up food once per month under the income guidelines found here – HOUSEHOLD INCOME GUIDELINES

Clarion County YMCA Blessing Box Program

The YMCA Blessing Boxes are distributed four times a year.  Boxes contain a holiday meal and food staples at certain times of the year when budgets are tight.  Pre-registration is required and food boxes are limited.

Mission Market & Blessing Box Flyer

Y on the Fly Summer Food Program

When:  Tuesdays, 3:30 – 5:00 pm beginning June 10

Held every Tuesday from 3:30 – 5:30 at Clarion Area Elementary School starting June 10, 2025. This program provides FIVE (5) breakfasts and FIVE (5) lunches to every child in the household under age 18.  Pre-registration is required to guarantee meal availability.

How You Can Help:

Donations of food and funds are essential for sustaining these programs. Your generosity ensures that we can continue providing food to those in need. If you’re interested in donating, please reach out to [email protected] or click this link: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/QA0W6EJMZVZ8.

Oil City Y Cafe

When: Monday through Friday from 6:30 – 7:30 pm

The Y Cafe offers free meals for kids up to age 18 every weeknight. Alongside the meals, we also provide fun, engaging activities from 5:30 – 6:30 pm to create a safe and supportive environment for children after school hours. No pre-registration necessary, no income guidelines.

Oil City YMCA Backpack Program

When: Fridays at 6:30 pm

The Backpack Program ensures that children leave for the weekend with nutritious, child-friendly meals and snacks. Each Friday, we pack backpacks with food items that are easy to prepare at home, allowing kids to stay nourished over the weekend and return to school on Monday ready to learn. Program made possible by donors.  No pre-registration necessary, no income guidelines.

How You Can Help:

Donations of food items or financial support are always needed to maintain this program. If you’d like to help, please contact us at [email protected] or consider donating through our amazon link {https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3VSB3GOVNXHFC} or by contributing funds directly to the program {https://oilcity.recliquecore.com/donate/}