Food Security Programs: Nourishing Young People, Strengthening Community.
Access to nutritious food is essential for every young person to learn, lead, and thrive—and it’s a core part of our mission. We believe all youth deserve a safe, supportive environment where their health is prioritized, their potential is nurtured, and their families feel strengthened.
Our food security initiatives are built to meet immediate nutritional needs and empower youth as contributors and leaders in their community. Through our Child Nutrition Program, Summer Meals Program, and two teen‑driven efforts—Molly’s Meals and the
Free Food Pantry—we provide dependable nourishment while encouraging young people to take an active role in creating a healthier future for all.
USDA Compliance & Food Safety
Our Club proudly participates in USDA‑supported Child Nutrition Programs to ensure all youth have reliable access to healthy, balanced meals. Through the
Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) during the school year and the
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) when school is out, we provide free meals and snacks that meet federal nutrition standards. These programs not only help fill nutritional gaps but also support the overall health, growth, and academic success of the young people we serve.
Our Club follows all USDA guidelines for SFSP and CACFP, including:
- Nutrition standards for balanced meals
- Safe food storage and handling
- Accurate meal counting and documentation
- Civil Rights compliance and training
- Regular inspections and monitoring
These standards ensure that every youth receives high‑quality, safe, and nutritious food every day.
Sustainability: From Plate to Purpose
Our food security programs extend beyond distribution. We integrate environmental responsibility and hands‑on learning through:
🌿 Garden Club
Youth learn to plant, grow, and harvest fruits, vegetables, and herbs—all while exploring the importance of local food systems and healthy eating. The Garden Club provides real‑world agricultural experience and often contributes produce for programs and educational activities
♻️ Composting
Youth participate in composting food scraps from meal programs, helping reduce waste and teaching environmentally sustainable habits.
🐖 Feeding Local Pigs
Organic food waste that cannot be composted is donated to local farms to feed pigs, connecting young people to the agricultural cycle and responsible food stewardship.
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
Healthy meals all summer long — free for every child 18 and under.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was created to ensure that children from low‑income families continue to receive nutritious meals even when school is not in session. Through SFSP, free, USDA‑approved meals are provided to all children and teens 18 years old and younger at designated summer meal sites located in communities with high concentrations of eligible youth.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula proudly serves as a program sponsor, ensuring local children have reliable access to balanced meals throughout the summer months. Every meal we serve meets Federal nutrition standards and follows all USDA guidelines for safety, quality, and documentation.
By participating in SFSP, our Club helps bridge the gap between school years—so youth stay healthy, energized, and ready to learn all year long.
Food Security Programs initiated by our Teens
Molly's Meals
Molly’s Meals is a teen-centered initiative launched at the Teen Center in Sequim with the generous support of local philanthropist Molly Schwarz. The program provides nutritious dinners while giving youth hands-on opportunities to learn essential life skills such as meal preparation, culinary basics, budgeting, and teamwork. Beyond meeting nutritional needs, Molly’s Meals creates a welcoming, stigma-free environment where young people can gather, connect, and build confidence. By involving teens directly in meal planning and preparation, the program fosters independence, responsibility, and leadership. We help youth reach their full potential.
Teens welcome every Friday night for FREE FOOD from 6:30 PM- 8:00PM!
Check it out the article in the Sequim Gazette
Free Food Pantry
The Free Food Pantry is a youth-driven project created by our Keystone leadership members. Launched on MLK Day, it provides families with access to non-perishable foods and essential pantry items—completely free. Youth take an active role in collecting donations, organizing the pantry, and promoting its availability to the families we serve. Their leadership ensures the pantry remains a reliable resource for households facing food insecurity. This initiative not only supports local families but also gives teens a meaningful opportunity to serve their community, practice leadership, and embody the Boys & Girls Club values of compassion, service, and civic engagement.
Shoutout to our Club superstars!