Summer Food Service Program

Free Meals, a Summer without Hunger

The Virginia Department of Education notes that more than 53% of children attending school in our Peninsula Community qualify for federal free and reduced-price meal programs.  However, when school lets out, these meals are missed. Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process, and lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins again. Hunger may also make children more prone to illness and other health issues.

When school is out, hunger is in for over 18,000 children across the greater Peninsula. Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s Summer Food Service Program provides thousands of children and teens with healthy and reliable breakfast and lunch meals, free of charge to children 18 and under during the summer. Just show up at one of the locations listed below. No ID is required.

This summer, the students in the Foodbank's Culinary Training program are preparing up to 1,000 meals a day that are delivered Monday-Friday to local daycare facilities and three YMCA's (Hampton, Peninsula and Smithfield).

"I like getting the apples because they are sweet and healthy for me."

"The barbeque chicken is my favorite"

"My favorite is the chocolate milk and the cereal."