Demakes Family YMCA Receives Grant from the Paul and Edith Babson Foundation to Combat Food Insecurity

The Demakes Family YMCA is pleased to announce a generous $5,000 grant from the Paul and Edith Babson Foundation in support of its Hunger Prevention Program. This critical funding will help the Y enhance its efforts to address food insecurity in Lynn.

The Hunger Prevention Program is a multi-faceted initiative designed to improve access to healthy food, educate the community on nutrition, and foster long-term wellness. Through hands-on urban agriculture, cooking classes, and meal distribution, the YMCA has been empowering families to build healthy habits and overcome barriers to food security for over seven years.

“This grant from the Paul and Edith Babson Foundation is a testament to the vital work we’re doing in Lynn,” said Kathleen Walsh, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North. “With their support, we can expand our food distribution and education efforts to reach more families.”

The YMCA’s Healthy Eating Kitchen, which opened in 2021, and its Rooftop Garden, launched in 2023 with prior support from the Babson Foundation, are cornerstones of the Hunger Prevention Program. These spaces provide opportunities for children and families to learn about urban gardening, cooking/nutrition. Last summer, produce from the Rooftop Garden contributed hundreds of pounds of fresh vegetables and herbs for childcare students and local affordable housing residents, making healthy eating more accessible to the community.

The Y’s meal distribution programs also serve as lifelines for families in Lynn. In 2024, the YMCA served over 2,300 meals to children through daily afterschool snacks, open summer meal sites, and the Y on the Fly van, which serves as a mobile food resource. Partnerships with organizations like the United Way further expand the Y’s reach by providing holiday groceries and gift cards to families in need.

The impact of these programs extends beyond nutrition. This summer, children in YMCA programs used garden-grown produce to make smoothies, which they shared with local seniors, creating a heartwarming connection between generations while emphasizing the importance of healthy living.