When summer is once again upon us, there is something everyone in the Fishers community needs to understand – although we are a generally affluent city, there are many among us struggling to make ends meet. Many students attending our local Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School District will miss meals once school is out for the summer.
Families enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program will not be able to properly feed their youngsters during the summer months without help. That’s where the Fishers Youth Assistance Program (FYAP) comes in.
FYAP is looking to feed 700 kids a record 63,000 meals for the upcoming nine-week program. In 2018, FYAP served more than 600 students, which was a 229 percent increase over the prior year. As you can see, even more students need help this summer.
Lynda Carlino, the long-time Executive Director of the HSE SPORTS program, retired from the job a few years ago, but remains a busy lady in our community, directing the summer meal program for the second consecutive year.
McGrath
“We are so grateful for the past support our entire community has provided to this worthy cause,” FYAP Board President Leah McGrath said. “This year is no different as we have quickly exceeded the number of families who need assistance in the summer months. It is an opportunity for businesses, families and others to come together to help their fellow neighbors.”
FYAP is asking individual citizens and local businesses for help in this important project. Here are the ways you can make a difference:
Donate cash
Donations of cash are welcome so that summer meals organizers can use funds to purchase items from this year’s menu. Gift cards are used to purchase fresh produce for families.
Participate in food drives
FYAP and FPD is seeking food donations and volunteers to help at the Fishers Police Department’s annual “Pack the Cruiser” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 at all Fishers Kroger stores. If you are interested in volunteering for that event, please contact FYAP at FishersYAP@gmail.com.
If you are interested in organizing your own food drive, please let FYAP know by emailing FishersYAP@gmail.com. Food may be dropped off from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on May 30 at Fall Creek Elementary.