Springfield Rotary Launches Fourth Year of Youth Weekend Food Distribution Program

For the fourth consecutive year, the Rotary Club of Springfield is helping combat child hunger through its Rotary Youth Weekend Food Distribution Program.

Past Club President Karen Longo explained that 54,000 students in Vermont are enrolled in the school lunch program. During the summer, approximately 75% of these children face increased risk of food insecurity. Those most vulnerable often experience wider achievement gaps and diminished academic and athletic performance—challenges that can have long-term consequences.

“Many children who attend the YMCA summer camp rely on daily meals for the bulk of their nutrition,” said Longo. “But those supports vanish on weekends. That’s why we launched the Rotary Youth Weekend Food Distribution Program—to fill that gap.”

Every Thursday evening, Rotary members pack shopping bags with nutritious, high-protein, low-sugar items. The bags are delivered Friday mornings to the YMCA and discreetly sent home with campers, ensuring they have food for the weekend.

“The goal is to help kids return on Monday ready to hike, swim, and learn,” Longo said.

To date, the club has distributed nearly 633 food bags containing items such as bottled water, fresh fruit, peanut butter, crackers, veggie sticks, cheese snacks, noodles, fruit snacks, smart popcorn, carrots, pudding, hand sanitizer, and utensils.

The program will continue through the end of August.

Founded in 1927, the Rotary Club of Springfield is a vibrant service organization with over 40 members committed to community and humanitarian projects both locally and globally. To learn more, visit springfieldvtrotary.org.

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Photo (l-r): Springfield Rotary Club Past President Karen Longo and President Sue Phelps delivered food bags for the Rotary Youth Weekend Food Distribution Program.