At the Y, we know that food is fuel for growing bodies and a critical part of development. That's why we are working to ensure that children in our child care programs and beyond have access to healthy food.
The YMCA of the Sandhills participates in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a USDA program that supports our Food Services programming through federal reimbursements and nutrition guidelines ,and enables children and teens to access healthy food at no cost to them while school is out for the summer. The Fayetteville YMCA also participates in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) at our Fayetteville YMCA after school program to ensure access to nutritious food.
The 2026 Summer Food Service Program ended in August. We look forward to supporting kids and teens in 2027!
In the meantime, learn more about this impactful program.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A BOX:
PRE-REGISTRATION:
In 2025, the YMCA of the Sandhills distributed 36,200 free nourishing meals to kids and teens in Harnett County during our first year participating in the Summer Food Service Program's (SFSP) Non-congregate Meal Site program. We were proud to continue this program with the SUN Meals To-Go site in Lillington to serve all children and teens ages 18 and under who are eligible during summer 2026. We distributed 59,248 meals and served 1,750 children/teens this year!
TEENS GIVING BACK THROUGH SUMMER MEALS PROGRAMThe Y’s teen programs (Leaders in Training, Counselors in Training and Get Summer) provides young people the opportunity to serve their community by volunteering with the Summer Food Service Program. Teens help distribute healthy meals to children and families, assist with organizing food service sites, and create a welcoming environment for participants. Through their involvement, they gain leadership skills, build a sense of responsibility, and make a meaningful impact by helping ensure that kids in their community have access to nutritious meals during the summer months.
The program brings the Y’s areas of focus—Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility—to life by empowering teens to lead, supporting healthy nutrition, and strengthening the community.
In addition to support from the USDA's Summer Food Service Program, additional sponsors provide funding that enables the YMCA of the Sandhills to put this program into operation. We are grateful for these partnerships and support!
No Kid Hungry by Share Our Strength
United Way of Lee County (serving Lee and Harnett Counties)
Volunteer: We always appreciate an extra set of hands around the Y! We can accept volunteers that have been accepted through our application process to help us during distribution on Thursdays from 3-6:30 pm from June -August. Download our Volunteer Application and email volunteer@ymcaofthesandhills.org.
Food Services volunteer tasks include sorting donated food, bagging up food to be distributed, assisting with food distribution, and delivering donations to our partners.
Through our participation in the CACFP and SFSP, we are able to provide a nutritious, 5-component super snack (Milk, Meat/Meat Alternative, Vegetable, Fruit, and Whole Grain) at our qualifying After School and Summer Camp sites. Our Y Super Snacks and the difference a healthy meal can make to a hungry child.
Our YMCA After School Program at the Fayetteville YMCA follows Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards by offering a healthy snack ("Super Snacks") and plenty of indoor and outdoor playtime. Our particpiation in the CACFP program under YMCA of Southeatern North Carolina's sponsorship enables us to provide this to kids afterschool, along with nutrition education, homework help and enrichment activities.
From September 11-20, we're rolling back the clock and the fee to join to just $19—the same price members paid back in the '80s. That’s up to $50 in savings! Fall back into healthy habits, reconnect with what feels good, and make the most of our family and youth programs with member discounts. Maybe it’s a morning swim, a group fitness class, or basketball in the gym, and maybe it’s also having a place that is built to keep you moving, active and connected. Check out all that our Y offers for members!
Whatever it is for you, join the Y during this special offer and get 2026 access at 1980s prices!
.png){kind=logo}
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and we want to remind our Y family: your mental health is just as important as your physical health. They're connected — and taking care of one supports the other.Regular movement, whether it's a walk, a swim, or a group fitness class, has been shown to help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. It's not a cure-all, but it's one powerful tool alongside professional support.
If you or someone you love is struggling, help is always available:
Veterans, service members and their loved ones can reach the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) by calling 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255 or chatting. You are not alone! Learn more about supporting your mental health or that of a loved one.
We're kicking into fall with Youth Soccer for kids aged 2-5 on Saturdays, September 26-November 7! Registration is extended to September 15, AND there's a $5 discount - only $55 to register for our fall session!
Our co-ed 6-week Itty Bitty soccer program for 2- to 3-year-olds and Tiny Tots soccer program for 4- to 5-year-olds is the perfect place to nurture your little one's love of the game in a fun, friendly environment with age-appropriate drills and skills! Learn more here.
Save the date! Welcoming Week 2026 is September 14-18 at YMCA of the Sandhills' branches! At the Y, we believe welcoming a community takes all of us--creating spaces where every neighbor feels like they belong, unlikely connections are made, and each of us has the opportunity to thrive. Join us as we celebrate Welcoming Week because there's no place like the Y for welcoming neighbors! Check out how we'll celebrate!
PARENTS, YOU'VE EARNED A NIGHT OFF!School is back in session, and so is your social life! Drop your kids off at the Saleeby Family YMCA on September 18 for Parents' Night Out from 6:30-9:00 pm, and let us take care of the kids while you enjoy some well deserved time off. Grab dinner with friends, catch a movie, or just enjoy a quite evening. However you spend it, your kids will be having a blast with our caring staff, making new friends and having fun of their own! Check out how PNO works and register by September 15. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on August 28 and spots will fill quickly!
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS:Calling all families! If you're looking to get a jump on your back to school plans, the Y is here for you! Registration for the Y's After School Care programs is now open. There's no place like this place for homework help, engaging activities, and caring staff so kids can learn, grow and make lasting friendships. Learn more about after school care at the Saleeby Family YMCA and the Fayetteville Y!