Friends of Longmont Youth Awarded $25,000 to Fund Local Hunger Relief
Friends of Longmont Youth Awarded $25,000 to Fund Local Hunger Relief
Friends of Longmont Youth (FLY) was recently awarded $25,000 for the Summer Meals Program by the Colorado COVID Relief Fund to help respond to increased food insecurity in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. FLY’s mission is to support positive youth development programs, in partnership with the City of Longmont’s Children, Youth and Families Division. The Summer Meals Program is a collaborative effort involving FLY, the Longmont Youth Center, Community Food Share, Longmont Food Rescue, and Community Table Kitchen. Funds from the grant will be used to provide food assistance in under-served communities, including meals and take-home groceries.
“FLY is committed to working with and serving Longmont youth and their families because we are a part of this community. We have been in Longmont for 21 years, and a big part of what we do is provide support when someone needs that little extra hand up,” said Meca Delgado, Treasurer of the Board of FLY. “This program will benefit hundreds of our families, friends, and neighbors.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone differently, and some more than others. Single parents, families with lower incomes, communities of color and children have been particularly hard-hit by the devastating economic impacts of the virus.
“All of the organizations in this partnership recognize and want to address the additional stress and hardship our communities are facing right now,” said Kyl Caragol, Youth Program Leader with the Longmont Youth Center. “Our families are working harder than ever to put food on the table, pay rent, and support their children. Many of our community members are front-line workers, and this grant will allow us to contribute in a meaningful way to increasing their food and financial stability during this incredibly difficult time.”
Led by an executive committee in coordination with the Governor’s Office, the Colorado COVID Relief Fund was developed to raise and coordinate allocation of funds based on COVID-19 prevention, impact and recovery needs of community-based organizations in Colorado. The Fund is organized to ensure that the most acute community needs across the state are being addressed and that community voice is reflected in all funding decisions made over time.
Additional information about the Summer Meals Program can be found by visiting Children, Youth and Families website.
For more information about the Summer Meals Program and the Youth Center, please contact Christina Pacheco Sims, Children, Youth and Families Manager, at christina.sims@longmontcolorado.gov or 303-774-3752.
For more information about Friends of Longmont Youth, please contact Meca Delgado, Treasurer of the Board of FLY, at mddelgado21@comcast.net or 303-328-1540.
