YMCA, LOAVES & FISHES AND UNITEDHEALTH GROUP PARTNER TO PROVIDE FREE FRESH FOOD FOR HEALTHY MEALS TO FAMILIES DURING CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

Minneapolis, MN – YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, is partnering with Loaves & Fishes and UnitedHealth Group to provide free, fresh food to families in the community to ensure youth have healthy meals during unprecedented pandemic.

The Y, Loaves & Fishes and UnitedHealth Group believe that supplying healthy fresh food is critical to supporting families in our communities to alleviate food insecurity and hunger. Together they combine the YMCA region-wide distribution network, Loaves & Fishes internationally recognized program, and UnitedHealth Group efforts to cover the more than $2 million in food costs and wages for the cafeteria employees preparing meals for people in the Greater Twin Cities. This program with the YMCA and Loaves & Fishes is part of a larger effort by UnitedHealth Group to provide healthy meals to those in need, in the Twin Cities, and around the country.

Families may pick up food from Noon – 2 p.m., Monday through Friday at most YMCAs and choose a meal package for a family of four including a protein, vegetables and other fresh food. Also, lunch bags with a sandwich, snacks and fruit are available. Anyone in the community may pick up food. YMCA membership is not required. Supplies are limited. Please practice physical distancing when picking up food.

"Our phones have been ringing nonstop and we have identified that there is great need in cities where we really need to be,” said Cathy Maes, executive director at Loaves & Fishes. “Serving at the YMCA Twin Cities is a relationship that expands our reach and we could not be more grateful. Our goal has always been to serve those in need and together we are doing just that.”

“We are grateful to partner with Loaves & Fishes and UnitedHealth Group to ensure all of our families in our community have access to food during this very difficult time and no child goes hungry,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities.

For more information on the YMCA food distribution locations, go to http://www.ymcamn.org/food-distribution.

The Y is committed to ensuring all in the community have the resources they need to navigate the impact coronavirus is having on people’s lives. For more information on the YMCA Community Response Hub, visit http://www.ymcamn.org/impact-summary. To support Y programs and services for youth, families, adults and seniors, visit Y Community Response Fund at http://www.ymcamn.org/give.

WHO: The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, Loaves & Fishes, and UnitedHealth Group

WHAT: To ensure youth and their families have nutritious meals during the coronavirus crisis, the community can get free fresh food at select YMCA locations

WHERE: Front doorways of most YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities locations. See http://www.ymcamn.org/food-distribution for a full list of locations.

WHEN: Noon – 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.