Funding Focus 

Access to Nutritious Food

Proper nutrition is a vital component to a child’s development and overall health. It has been proven that eating healthy food improves children’s behaviour, brain function and school performance. The reality is that families with financial barriers often have no choice but to sacrifice healthy options for economical choices. The YMCA focuses on finding new ways to introduce healthy eating habits throughout all programming with a specific focus on nutritious foods and snacks for children.  

Some examples of programs with nutritious food focus are:

• YMCA Resource Houses
• YMCA Before-and-After School Programs
• YMCA Child CareYMCA Camp

Intended Health Benefits of these Programs:

• Reduction in childhood obesity
• Reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes
• Improved school performance
• Healthy lifestyle habits

Access to Recreation

In Ontario, children and youth have the highest childhood obesity rates in our province's history coupled with difficult economic conditions, forcing more and more families to cut out recreational activities that not only help children stay active and healthy, but allow them to be kids. By supporting the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign you can help all local children and youth have the opportunity to participate in YMCA recreational activities, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Some examples of recreational programs are:

• YMCA Memberships
• YMCA Camps
• Youth Recreation & Sports Program

Intended Health Benefits of these Programs:

• Increased daily activity levels
• Improved skills and self-confidence
• Team-building and leadership skill development
• Active lifestyle habit education

Access to Healthy Environments

A child’s development is heavily influenced by their environment and the people around them. The YMCA offers a safe and healthy environment for children and youth to feel at home, meet new friends and benefit from the value of being surrounded by positive role models. Not every child can afford to get involved with YMCA programming, but with your YMCA Strong Kids Campaign support, you can help us make the YMCA accessible to everyone.

Some examples of healthy environments are:

• YMCA Health & Wellness sites
• YMCA Camps
• YMCA Resource Houses
• YMCA Child Care & School Age Sites

Intended Health Benefits of these Programs:

• Feel a strong sense of belonging
• Access to positive role models & guidance
• Socialization & character development
• Gain friendships and camaraderie
• Learn YMCA values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and  inclusiveness