YMCA Second Annual International Food Festival Celebrates Diversity and Community Support

By Office of Communications

Posted on September 23, 2024, September 23, 2024

The Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA held its second annual International Food Festival on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, bringing together families from across the community to celebrate cultural diversity and access valuable community resources. In addition to a variety of international food, the event featured a blood drive, immunizations, and a resource fair with more than 20 vendors offering information and support to local families.

“This year, we're doing something a little bit different," said Cheryl McCarver, Senior Vice President of the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA. "I thought, how can we reach more people, and how can we bring information for newcomers and immigrants who come to our community? So, we're doing panels, including a 'Making Arlington Home' panel discussion. We believe it's important that community members know what's available to them.”

The "Making Arlington Home" panel featured key local leaders, including Arlington Council Member Raul Gonzalez and Arlington Chief Equity Officer Troy Williams. The discussion focused on housing in Arlington and aimed to provide resources and information to help residents, particularly immigrants and newcomers, navigate the complexities of finding stable housing and jobs.

“At the YMCA, we believe it's so important for all of us to understand the beauty of the different cultures that exist here in our community,” McCarver added. “We want to celebrate the families that are here, and our resource fair, the dances, and the fashion show are ways to recognize that we're all different, we're all unique, but we all come together to celebrate all that we bring to our community, right here in Arlington."

In addition to the cultural celebrations, the event provided practical support for local families, with a blood drive, food pantry, and access to local health and community services.

“This represents our efforts to ensure everyone knows they're welcome at our YMCA,” McCarver said.

The Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA, located at 7120 S. Cooper St., Arlington, Texas 76001, plans to continue expanding the festival in future years, aiming to further build an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of the community.