Springfield YMCA hosts annual Summer Food Program

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — The 3rd annual Springfield YMCA Summer Food Program has begun, as of Friday.

Each year, the program ensures that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.

It's funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and operated by the Central Illinois Foodbank.

Anyone under the age of 18 is eligible to participate in the program.

"We have kids that come here that have never experienced a zucchini or a cucumber, or didn't know what a peach was. And so, seeing them try it and like it and love it and go back for seconds is amazing," Angie Sowle said.

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They also offer homework assistance, computer skills training and nutrition education training.