06/15/2026
Making sure kids are fed, all summer long!
In Week 3 of our Summer Food Program, the Y served 28,151 meals across 10 drive-through grab-n-go sites, 6 YMCA summer day camps, and community lunches at our Pilot Y Outdoor Pool.
That brings our summer total to 80,267 meals and counting!
Every meal served is more than just a number. It’s one less worry for a parent, one more full belly, and one more kid ready to learn, play, and thrive.
We’re proud to stand in the gap for families across East Tennessee, and we can’t do it without you!
Want to be part of something bigger?
👉 Volunteer at a grab-n-go site: https://qrco.de/bgiMQ0
👉 Sign up to receive meals: https://qrco.de/bgiLw
Thanks for helping the Y feed kids!
06/08/2026
The Y Feeds Kids!
Across 10 drive-thru grab-n-go sites, 6 YMCA summer day camps, and community lunches at our Pilot Y Outdoor Pool, we served 27,739 meals in Week 2… WHOA!
That brings our summer total to 52,116 meals served so far.
Behind every number is a child who is nourished, a parent who can breathe a little easier, and a family who knows they’re supported.
We’re honored to help take worry off parents’ plates, and put full, healthy meals on them.
It’s not too late to be part of this mission!
👉 Volunteer at a grab-n-go site: https://qrco.de/bgiMQ0
👉 Sign up to receive meals: https://qrco.de/bgiLw
Together, we can make sure kids are fed and ready for a summer of fun.
06/02/2026
🍎 24,377 Meals Served in Week 1! 🍎
Behind the scenes, our YMCA Summer Food Program is hard at work all across East Tennessee making sure kids are nourished, energized, and ready for a summer full of fun.
When school is out, it can be tough for families to replace the school breakfasts and lunches kids rely on during the year. That’s where the Y steps in.
From Grainger, Union, and Blount County to right here in the heart of Knoxville, we’re serving meals to kids who might not otherwise have enough food on the table. Some families swing by local elementary schools to pick up a full week of meals, 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches, through our grab-and-go lines. Others receive meals at our YMCA Summer Day Camps, where kids enjoy breakfast and supper alongside all the fun. And at our Pilot Y outdoor pool, any child can stop by, sit down, and share lunch with us, no membership required.
In just ONE week, our incredible staff and volunteers have served 24,377 meals:
🥞 11,997 breakfasts
🥪 11,745 lunches
🍽️ 635 suppers
That’s a lot of full bellies, and a lot of impact.
Want to be part of it? Visit ymcaetn.org/food to sign up for a volunteer shift. Help the Y feed kids this summer!
05/30/2026
May is National Water Safety Month
All month long, we're sharing water safety tips to help keep everyone safe around the water.
Rule #6: Know What to Do (Before You Need To).
Learn basic water safety skills and what to do in an emergency. Knowing how to call for help, reach or throw a flotation device, and alert a lifeguard can make a big difference. Being prepared helps you stay calm and act quickly if something happens.
Take Action! Register for Y Swim Lessons at ymcaetn.org/swim.
05/29/2026
May is National Water Safety Month
All month long, we're sharing water safety tips to help keep everyone safe around the water.
Rule #5: Don't Hold Your Breath (Literally).
Avoid breath-holding games or long underwater challenges. These can be dangerous and increase the risk of shallow water blackout. Always come up for air and swim safely. Save underwater swimming for short distances with supervision.
Take Action! Register for Y Swim Lessons at ymcaetn.org/swim.
05/27/2026
May is National Water Safety Month
All month long, we're sharing water safety tips to help keep everyone safe around the water.
Rule #4: Suit Up Like a Pro.
Wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when around water, especially for new or developing swimmers. Make sure it fits snugly and is appropriate for your size and activity. Life jackets add an extra layer of protection and help keep heads above water.
Take Action! Register for Y Swim Lessons at ymcaetn.org/swim.
05/23/2026
May is National Water Safety Month
All month long, we're sharing water safety tips to help keep everyone safe around the water.
Rule #3: Buddy Up or Dry Out.
Always swim with a buddy so someone is there if you need help. If you don't have a buddy, it's best to stay out of the water until you do. Swimming with a friend helps everyone stay safer and makes it easier to get attention quickly if needed.
Take Action! Register for Y Swim Lessons at ymcaetn.org/swim.
05/21/2026
May is National Water Safety Month
All month long, we're sharing water safety tips to help keep everyone safe around the water.
Tip #2: Find Your Water Watcher.
Choose a responsible adult to be your dedicated Water Watcher, someone whose only job is to keep eyes on swimmers at all times. This person should avoid distractions like phones, conversations, or leaving the pool area.
Take Action! Register for Y Swim Lessons at ymcaetn.org/swim.
05/21/2026
Memorial Day at the Y 🇺🇸
All YMCA of East Tennessee locations will be open 8:00am–2:00pm with no classes or child watch.
Looking for a place to spend the day? Head to the Pilot Family Y:
🏊 Outdoor Pool open 10:00am–5:30pm
🌭 Memorial Day Cookout: Enjoy a poolside cookout, free for members or included with a day pass
Need flexibility? The Pilot Family Y fitness center is available 24/7 for members with 24-Hour Access, even on holidays.
Spend your day with us, then get back to it refreshed on Tuesday.