This summer, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore is once again providing free meals to children through the Summer Food Service Program.
The free meals will be served at seven locations in Hampton Roads from Monday through Friday. Five locations will begin serving meals on Tuesday, June 20, and the other two will open on Monday, June 26.
The foodbank says it's timely that the start of the program aligns with the end of the school year. Mallory Reckling, who works for the foodbank, says the summer could present unique challenges to children who may face hunger.
"During a regular school year, we can reach many of these children with programs like free breakfast, lunch, and after-school meals. But during the summer, when schools are closed, those meals disappear," said Reckling. "Summer meal programs are also harder to find. Many parents simply don't know these resources are there for their children."
The foodbank says meals will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.
Children aged 18 and younger are eligible for free meals and snacks, according to the foodbank. However, the foodbank says people with disabilities over the age of 18 who participate in school programs for people with mental or physical disabilities may also receive free meals and snacks.
A list of locations with dates of operation is as follows:
Eastern Shore
- WHERE: Eastern Shore Boys & Girls Club (24577 Mary N. Smith Road in Accomac)
- WHEN: June 20 - August 25
- Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
- Lunch: 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Norfolk (four locations)
Grandy Village Boys & Girls Club
- WHERE: 3017 Kimball Terrace
WHEN: June 20 - August 18
- Breakfast: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
- Lunch: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Southside Boys & Girls Club, Berkley Unit
- WHERE: 701 Berkley Avenue Extension
- WHEN: June 20 - August 18
- Breakfast: 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
- Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Young Terrace Boys & Girls Club
- WHERE: 804 Whitaker Lane
- WHEN: June 20 - August 18
- Lunch: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
- Afternoon Snack: 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center of Hampton Roads
- WHERE: 1401 Ballentine Boulevard
- WHEN: June 26 - August 25
- Breakfast: 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
- Lunch: 12:15 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Portsmouth
- WHERE: Portsmouth Boys & Girls Club (5905 Portsmouth Boulevard)
WHEN: June 20 - August 25
- Breakfast: 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
- Lunch: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Suffolk
- WHERE: Suffolk Boys & Girls Club, Forest Glen Unit (200 Forest Glen Drive)
WHEN: June 26 - August 18
- Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
- Lunch: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
For more information, click here.
