More than 250,000 children in Virginia face hunger – and many of them are left without support when school is out of session. 

Summer nutrition programs are vital for keeping kids healthy all year long, and ensuring they are ready to learn when they return to school in the fall. The USDA notes that experiencing food insecurity in childhood can result in long-lasting detriments to academic success and physical and mental health.  

Summer nutrition programs have existed for decades, but barriers to access stand between them and children in need. Previously, only about 13% of students who receive free or reduced school meals were able to access summer meals.  

This summer, Virginia and 34 other states will begin offering two permanent programs, in addition to existing summer meals for children, to help break down barriers to access and help more children than ever before.  

A major barrier to access, especially in rural communities, is lack of transportation. Before these new programs, most summer meals were served on-site in a congregate setting. In other words, if children could not travel to the meal site, they missed out.  

This is where the new non-congregate meal service comes in. Meal providers in rural areas can now offer home delivery and pick-up options, and participants can receive up to ten days’ worth of food at once.  

Another program launching in 2024 is Summer EBT. Any family that receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or free and reduced school meals is automatically eligible for an extra $40 per child per month during the summer. Summer EBT will help parents buy healthy food for their children and, as the most flexible summer food assistance option, could fill gaps in need left by the other programs.  

In addition to these new initiatives, on-site group meals for children will continue to be available throughout the summer.  

The USDA cited lack of awareness as the main reason why summer nutrition programs are underutilized. Providers in Virginia and nationally are prepared to tackle that issue this summer with public service campaigns, outreach toolkits for meal providers to spread the word, and a website and hotline to help participants find meal sites. 

Together, these three programs will help ensure thousands of Virginia kids stay happy and healthy, all year long.  

Learn more about the programs: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/school-operations-support-services/school-nutrition/programs-promotions-and-initiatives/summer-food-service-program  

Want to deepen your understanding of childhood nutrition and food insecurity? Hear the latest research and inspiring success stories from industry experts at the 2024 Champions for Youth Summit.  

Learn more: https://www.vfhy.org/event/champions-for-youth-summit/  

Information in this article came from the Virginia Food is Medicine Summit, hosted by the Federation of Virginia Food Banks and sponsored by VFHY.