YMCA of Greater Erie Transitions to Meal Box Mondays

Tina @AdobeStock

Americans are notorious for consuming too many calories and too few nutrients — most of us exceed the recommended daily allowances of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium (resulting in added body fat and water weight) while also failing to meet daily requirements for key vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamins A, C, D, E, calcium, and magnesium. Supplements and fortified foods help offset some of the deficits, but the fact that many of us wouldn't come close to meeting nutritional guidelines without them is a strong indicator that we are overly reliant on processed foods over whole or natural foods. 

The YMCA of Greater Erie, champions of healthier lifestyles in Erie County, would rather you not feed into that narrative. That's why it continues to offer its meals and produce distribution program, with boxes of nutritious foods to-go that include everything needed for five healthy meals, complete with instructions for preparation and storage. In each box, you'll find essential dry goods (like whole grains), fresh ingredients, milk, veggies, and fruits to nourish both mind and body throughout the workweek. 

Pickups are available at two Y locations on Mondays, beginning Sept. 28, at 3:30 p.m. 

• Downtown Y, 31 W. 10th St.
• Eastside Y, 2101 Nagle Road

The meal boxes are free of charge without income or Y membership stipulations. Adults are eligible for one box apiece; additional boxes can be acquired for children 18 and under (ages and names must be provided) while supplies last. Observe masking and social distancing advisories upon arrival.