Austin News

AUSTIN – The YMCA is sponsoring a food distribution program in north and east sections of Austin for families impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Beginning May 19, local families in need can access free produce during distribution events at YMCA locations in North Austin and East Austin,” a report from Community Impact Newspaper reported.

Boxes of produce of up to 20 pounds are being made available through a partnership between the YMCA of Austin and Brighter Bites, a Houston-based nonprofit that provides fresh produce and nutrition education to area families. The food distributor DiMare Fresh is supplying produce through its Texas facilities to nonprofits. 

The food distribution will be held on Tuesdays at the North Austin YMCA, 1000 W. Rundberg Lane, beginning at 9 a.m. Food will also be provided at the East Communities YMCA, located at 5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd., starting at 10 a.m.

“Both events will continue on a first-come, first-served basis each week through August,” the report said.

Residents can pick up food through by driving or walking up to the sites. In North Austin, drivers can enter the parking lot through Mearns Meadow Drive. In East Austin, access is from the northbound lane of Ed Bluestein.

“All YMCA Austin locations are temporarily closed to the public,” the publication reported. “The North Austin YMCA is set to reopen Aug. 1, while the other area locations —including the East Communities YMCA — will reopen June 1.”