The Racine Family YMCA has taken a significant step by opening its first-ever food pantry at the George Bray Neighborhood Branch. This moment marks an important chapter in the YMCA’s 150-year history of community service.
Tamarra Coleman, the CEO, shared the enthusiasm: “This is the first time we’ve served food in this capacity.” The decision to launch the pantry came from community listening sessions, which highlighted a pressing need for food assistance. “If the need is food, we’re going to bring it to them,” Coleman said. This reflects a strong commitment to community needs.
Karon Thomas, the branch director, noted a critical issue in the area: “There are no grocery stores nearby.” Many residents struggle to access fresh, healthy food. United Way data shows that in 2023, about 49% of households in Racine were living below the basic cost of living, illustrating the urgency behind this initiative.
Community conversations consistently pointed to food insecurity. Many residents expressed concern about having enough nutritional options. “Just knowing that something needed is coming here is a relief for many families,” Thomas added.
The pantry represents a collaborative effort. The Racine Family YMCA has partnered with local organizations like the Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency and the Racine County Food Bank. Coleman emphasized, “Community partners are vital to addressing local needs.”
The food pantry will be open to the public every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m., making it accessible for those who work during the day. To use the pantry, residents must bring a state ID and proof of residence within Racine County and can return every 28 days.
Coleman articulated the mission behind the pantry: “We don’t want families to choose between food, medication, or rent. We aim to help stretch their dollars and fill in gaps.”
This initiative reflects a growing trend across the country. Many community organizations are now stepping up to tackle food insecurity, especially amid rising costs. A 2022 Feeding America report found that 34 million Americans experienced food insecurity, highlighting the importance of local solutions like the Racine pantry.
For residents keen to volunteer or donate, Karon Thomas encourages them to reach out via email at kthomas@ymcaracine.org or call the Racine Family YMCA office at 262-898-4757. “We’re here to serve the community, and that’s what we’re going to do,” Thomas concluded.
For more details on community initiatives addressing food insecurity, you can explore resources from [Feeding America](https://www.feedingamerica.org) and [United Way](https://www.unitedway.org).
