Fillmore Powerhouse, USDA Award Winner, Celebrates 25 Years

Fillmore Powerhouse serves youth ages 2-18 in their summer rec and after school programs.

(Article submitted by Fillmore Powerhouse for our Community Day newspaper)

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 USDA 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.

For 25 years, the Fillmore Powerhouse has been a cornerstone for area youth.

The Powerhouse, located at 23 W. Main Street in Fillmore, 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 after-school 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 & 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 the Fillmore Powerhouse Facebook page.