Community Day: Fillmore Powerhouse, USDA award winner, celebrates 25 years
FILLMORE — A small youth center in Allegany County is making a big impact and earning national attention. The Fillmore Powerhouse Youth Center has received the prestigious Turnip the Beet Gold Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its high-quality summer meal program, making it the only program in New York state — and one of just 55 nationwide — to earn gold-level distinction in 2023.
The award recognizes programs that serve “appealing, nutritious meals to children” during the summer months. Fillmore Powerhouse stood out for its fresh, farm-to-table offerings and for integrating meals into a broader summer recreation program for local youth.
The Fillmore Powerhouse received an award from the USDA for its youth nutrition program.
For 25 years, the Fillmore Powerhouse has been a cornerstone for area youth and it’s planning to celebrate that milestone with a community event on Sunday, June 22, from 2-4 p.m.
The Powerhouse, located at 23 W. Main St., offers a Free Lunch and Recreation Program every July for children entering grades K-12. Open Tuesdays through Thursdays, the program includes take-home meals for the remaining weekdays and serves youth ages 2 to 18. The fresh produce used in meals comes in part from the center’s own organic gardens, which children help to plant and tend.
This standout summer program is just one part of what the Fillmore Powerhouse offers.
During the school year, the center provides free afterschool tutoring and recreation Monday through Thursday from 3:15-5:15 p.m. for students in grades K-12. Weekly after-school clubs rotate between gardening, music (guitar, drums, and ukulele), baking, arts & crafts, and outdoor games. Teen Night on Tuesdays gives older youth a safe and welcoming place to connect.
This program wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the United Way of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties, which provides funds to keep this program going. We are thankful for all the United Way has done, and continues to do, to promote the health and well-being of the children in our area.
For more information about the summer recreation and afterschool programs, visit www.facebook.com/FillmorePowerhouse/
