Mayor Stoney and Virginia First Lady Kickoff Richmond Summer Meals Program

To view the video from the event, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_QnF0Kmwzs

Today, at the Southside Community Center, Mayor Levar M. Stoney and Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe joined No Kid Hungry Virginia and partners to kick off the summer meals program for the city of Richmond. Organized by the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (DPRCF), more than 80 city locations will provide free, healthy summer meals to anyone 18 or under. These sites are part of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is out for the summer.

“We are committed to creating opportunities for Richmond youth to flourish and excel when school is out for the summer,” said Mayor Stoney. “Sites are located at safe places like schools, churches and community centers across Richmond. We encourage families to find the closest site in their neighborhood.”

Approximately 35 percent of Richmond youth who rely on free or reduced-price meals during the schools year are getting meals through SFSP. In support of the program, the Richmond Police Department will provide a recurring presence at five Richmond Housing Authority sites. The city's Department of Human Services and DPRCF are partnering to identify community facilities where city employees can volunteer to serve meals.

“Summer is the hungriest time of year for many Virginia families,” said Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe. “Luckily, there are many sites throughout the commonwealth where kids can go to have fun with their friends and get the nutrition they need to grow and continue learning throughout the summer.”

Families can text FOOD or COMIDA to 877-877 and type in a zip code to find the nearest summer meals sites, along with operating days and times. No application or registration is required.No Kid Hungry Virginia organizes the texting service and updates the information weekly. Locations are also available at https://www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks.

For more information about the Summer Food Service Program and the importance of connecting youth with meals during the summer, visit https://va.nokidhungry.org/summer-resources.