Text this number to find free summer meals sites for children

As part of its efforts to ensure children have access to healthy meals during the summer months, No Kid Hungry Virginia is encouraging families to text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 and type in a zip code to find nearby summer meals sites organized by school districts and community organizations.

All children and teens 18 and under can receive meals free of charge — no registration or proof of residency or citizenship needed — at familiar places throughout their community like parks, pools, schools, churches and libraries.

Meal site information is also available on school and community websites.

The Summer Meals program is funded by the USDA and operated by school districts and local organizations.

"For students who rely on school meals, summer is one of the hungriest times of the year," said Sarah Steely, Director of No Kid Hungry Virginia. “Fortunately, meal sites across Virginia are opening to ensure that no child goes hungry while school is out. By sharing the texting line with friends and family, you can help more people know about free summer meals in their community.”

More than 693,400 Virginia youth qualify for free meals but only about 15% of Virginia students who rely upon free meals are accessing those meals in the summertime.

Summer hunger can have a long-term impact on a child’s health, learning ability and general well-being. No Kid Hungry Virginia is focused on providing funding and strategic assistance to schools and local organizations implementing summer meals programs to help them reach more kids.

Childhood hunger continues to be a pressing issue across the state. Approximately 1 in 11 youth in Virginia face food insecurity.

Since the most recent data collection in 2021, several pandemic-related benefits have expired, coinciding with inflation, which has made it increasingly challenging for families to afford essential groceries and other necessities.