Summer has traditionally been the hungriest time of year for many kids, but this year promises to be different. New federal policies are giving local summer meal site programs in Virginia greater capacity to feed students. In fact, it’s one of the most consequential changes to our country’s nutrition programs in years — and it could arrive at your doorstep.
For decades, summer meal sites have invited kids to trusted places like pools, parks, faith-based organizations, libraries and schools to get a nutritious meal alongside fun activities like games, art and reading. The venues have become a summertime staple in many communities where kids can eat, learn and play. This year will be no different, with hundreds of meal sites operating across the state.
Even so, many families, especially in rural communities, have trouble accessing locations, which have traditionally required kids to eat meals on-site. Work schedules, travel distances, and transportation challenges can make getting to these locations difficult and expensive. In fact, No Kid Hungry estimates that historically as many as six of seven U.S. kids who need summer meals are missing out.
The consequences of hunger are far-reaching. Research shows that when kids don’t get the nutrition they need, they’re at higher risk of both short- and long-term health challenges as well as diminished physical and emotional wellbeing. Hunger also can exacerbate summer learning loss. Without access to nutrition during the summer months, it’s that much harder for kids to return to school the next year ready to learn.
But now comes the good news. Recent policy changes are recharging the way we connect kids with summer meals. New and monumental changes to summer meal rules offer flexible options like multi-day meal distribution and deliveries that reach kids in more remote areas of the state. The technical term used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is “non-congregate” and it’s redefining how we approach rural food insecurity in the summer months.
We know that when we give schools and community groups the flexibility to provide meals in the way that works best for their community, it means more kids eat. A handful of summer meal programs operated with these rules last year. The results were remarkable.
In Henry County, for example, a locality where one in five kids experience hunger, teams served 58,000 meals in June 2023 compared to 22,107 meals at traditional summer meal sites the year before.
Feeding Southwest Virginia’s meal distribution program for kids and teens reported serving 10 times as many meals last June compared to June 2022 with the new flexibilities. Talk about a great summer.
These figures are promising and help illustrate why bringing meals to where families live is so important. More than ever, parents need convenience and flexibility as households navigate higher living costs and busy days.
So, you may be wondering: what kind of food can families expect? Well, Virginia’s nutrition teams are a talented bunch.
Delicious sandwiches, seasonal fruit and salads are just a few items I’ve seen on menus. Many of the meal deliveries for multiple days include items like loaves of bread, cereal, peanut butter, milk and raisins to keep kids nourished at home.
We believe so much in the power of non-congregate programs that No Kid Hungry recently granted $284,000 to support programs at 14 different Virginia partners.
You can help too. Please share information about summer meal programs with your friends and family. Meals are free for children and teens ages 18 and younger. People can text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 for information about sites. Families also should reach out to their school district for more information.
All kids deserve a happy, hunger-free summer. The latest innovations to summer meal programs are helping to make that a reality.
Sarah Steely is director of No Kid Hungry Virginia and can be reached at ssteely@strength.org.
