Our Commitment To Social Responsibility
The YMCA’s Hunger Heroes Food Program is dedicated to fighting food insecurity and ensuring children and families have reliable access to nutritious food. When kids know where their next meal is coming from, everything changes—from how they learn to how they connect with others.
Through initiatives like our Free Mini Food Pantries, community food drives, and donation partnerships, Hunger Heroes provides immediate, accessible support to neighbors in need. There are many ways to get involved, including donating food, shopping our Amazon Wish List, our Target Wish List, contributing through our Walmart registry, or rounding up your purchase at participating Walmart locations.
Together, we’re not just feeding kids—we’re fueling their future.
HUGE congratulations to our 2025 YMCA Summer Food Team for earning the Silver Award at the annual Turnip the Beet! Awards! 🏆 We are so proud of their hard work and dedication to feeding and serving our communities!
This annual award, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food & Nutrition Administration, recognizes outstanding summer meal program sponsors across the United States who work hard to offer high quality meals that are appetizing, appealing, and nutritious to children during the summer months.
Summer Food is just one part of our Hunger Heroes Food Program. Click to learn more about how the Y is feeding our communities, and all of the Turnip the Beet! Award winners.
Learn more about the Turnip the Beet! Award here:
🔗https://www.fna.usda.gov/sfsp/turnip-the-beet
SUMMER 2026 HUNGER HEROES PROGRAM
MEALS FOR KIDS UP TO 18 YRS OLD
Our rural program alone distributed 101,696 lunches and snacks to 15 rural ND and MN locations! An increase of 4.82% over 2025!
Our Youth Summer Rural Food Program was well received! We provided FREE nutritious food to kids age 18 & under at the following sites:
- Weekday breakfast and lunches at 4 F-M area locations
- Weekday lunches at 3 F-M area parks
- Weekly lunches and snacks at 7 rural ND locations.
- Weekly lunches and snacks at 8 rural MN locations.
Thank you to our 2026 Community Partners:
- Cass County Electric Cooperative Foundation
- FM Area Foundation
- M-State Community and Technical College
- NDCF - North Dakota Community Foundation
- USDA - U.S. Department of Agriculture
FOOD ASSISTANCE
+ YMCA Mini Food Pantries
These small “take what you need, leave what you can” food stations are available at multiple YMCA sites. Click here to learn more.
Locations:
- Fercho YMCA – East & West vestibules
- Schlossman YMCA – Front lobby vestibule & child care lobby
- South YMCA Early Learning Center at Urban Plains – Inside front doors
- Moorhead Community Health Services – Front lobby
- West Fargo Early Learning Center – Right inside the front door
- Fergus Falls YMCA – Front lobby vestibule
- Mayville State University – Birkelo Hall
+ YMCA Senior Meal Program
You are eligible to participate if you are age 60+, along with your spouse of any age.
Join us at the YMCA for a heathy lunch! In partnership with Valley Senior Services, a subsidiary of Fargo Park District, we offer meals for adults aged 60+. A $4 voluntary donation is suggested but not required.
To register, call 218-359-2322. You’ll complete a short form on your first visit.
Locations and Times:
- Fercho YMCA: Monday–Friday, 11 am - Noon
- Schlossman YMCA: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 11 am - Noon
+ YMCA Teen Meal Program
Teens ages 13–18 can enjoy free, prepackaged meals at the Schlossman YMCA. Please note: meals must be eaten onsite.
Schedule:
- Supper: Monday–Friday, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
- Lunch: Saturday & Sunday, 11 am - Noon
+ YMCA Family Food Boxes
The YMCA provides free, confidential food boxes for families in need.
Email assistance@ymcanorthernsky.org and include:
- Your household size
- Any dietary restrictions
- Any special items needed (such as baby formula)
+ Other Local Food Pantries
Here is a complete list of additional food pantries in the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo area:
FMWF Food Pantries
Here is a complete list of additional food pantries in the Fergus Falls MN area:
Fergus Falls Food Pantries
If you need help beyond food assistance, contact First Link by dialing 211, calling 701-235-7335, or texting your ZIP code to 898-211. This free, confidential service provides 24/7 support, referrals, and crisis assistance.
WAYS TO DONATE
+ Give Financially
We welcome financial donations to support this program.
+ YMCA Food Drive
We are always collecting nonperishable food donations at our Mini Food Pantry locations.
Most needed items include canned vegetables and fruit, pasta and rice, canned proteins, shelf-stable milk, granola bars, snacks, and peanut butter. All collected food is distributed to the community through the Free Mini Food Pantries across the region.
+ Shop Our Online Wish Lists
Shop and Ship!
Prefer to shop online? You can purchase items from our Amazon Food Pantry Wish List, Target Wish List, or Walmart Wish List. Items will ship directly to the YMCA.
Click Here For Our Amazon List
We're Here For Each Other
The YMCA is built on community, compassion, and connection. Whether you’re seeking help or looking to give it, your YMCA family is here to walk alongside you. Together, we can ensure that every child, senior, and family has what they need — because we truly are better together.
If you have other ideas or ways you’d like to help, email assistance@ymcanorthernsky.org.