Breakthrough Butler launches summer food program
Monday, June 16, marked the first day of Breakthrough Butler’s 2025 summer food program. The day’s events started at Father Marinaro Park from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and continued at Rotary Park from 2:15 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Amanda Daugherty and her three children walked to Father Marinaro Park and picked up a few snacks from the nonprofit’s employees. They were given options such as applesauce and crackers.
Afterward, the Daughertys played on the swing and enjoyed their snack.
Amanda Daugherty said they came to the park in hopes of getting some time outside while the weather was still decent, as much of the forecast for the week is shrouded by rain.
Nick Yannotty, Breakthrough Butler’s founder, said they served 15 children at both parks on Monday. He said there have been about 40 sign-ups for the program thus far.
“Our hope is that it keeps growing as we go further into the summer,” Yannotty said.
Yannotty said the program saw numerous changes to the way it operates this year. For one, Yannotty had more time to prepare this year and the experience from running it last year.
“The biggest difference is that last year, this was being pieced together up through April,” he said.
However, since last year, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which previously provided the meals the program dispersed, told Yannotty that they wouldn’t be able to serve full meals.
This year, the program will serve healthy snack options, including a fruit or vegetable, grain and juice to children at six parks around Butler.
Yannotty said people can sign up either on the organization’s website, breakthroughbutler.org, or in-person at one of the parks.
Breakthrough Butler’s summer food program is scheduled at:
• Father Marinaro Park, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Mondays and 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays
• Memorial Park, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays
• Christie Avenue Playground, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays and 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays
• Rotary Park, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays and 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays
• Institute Hill Playground, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays
• East Butler Sports Complex, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays
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Dale Daugherty eats applesauce straight out of the cup during the first day of Breakthrough Butler’s 2025 summer food program on Monday, June 16, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Amanda Daugherty pushes her daughter Jane on the swing set during the first day of Breakthrough Butler’s 2025 summer food program on Monday, June 16, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Dale Daugherty eats applesauce straight out of the cup during the first day of Breakthrough Butler’s 2025 summer food program on Monday, June 16, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Amanda Daugherty pushes her daughter, Jane, on the swing set during the first day of Breakthrough Butler’s 2025 summer food program on Monday, June 16, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Dale Daugherty tries to do a flip in his swing during the first day of Breakthrough Butler’s 2025 summer food program on Monday, June 16, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Amanda Daugherty pushes her daughter, Jane, on the swing set during the first day ofBreakthrough Butler’s 2025 summer food program on Monday, June 16, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Jane and Dale Daugherty throw dirt at each other during the first day of Breakthrough Butler’s 2025 summer food program on Monday, June 16, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Amanda Daugherty pushes her daughter, Jane, on the swing set during the first day of Breakthrough Butler’s 2025 summer food program on Monday, June 16, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Cristi Daugherty eats through a straw during the first day of Breakthrough Butler’s 2025 summer food program on Monday, June 16, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Cristi Daugherty, middle, and her brother, Dale, receive applesauce during the first day of Breakthrough Butler’s 2025 summer food program on Monday, June 16, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Amanda Daugherty pushes her daughter, Jane, on the swing set during the first day of Breakthrough Butler’s 2025 summer food program on Monday, June 16, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Siblings Jane, Cristi, and Dale Daugherty take time form playing to enjoy a snack during the first day of Breakthrough Butler’s 2025 summer food program on Monday, June 16, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
