Feeding Southwest Virginia, a notable organization committed to combating food insecurity, has announced the return of its summer feeding initiative, in addition to several other efforts aimed at addressing food scarcity in the region.
In recent years, a Southwest Virginia food truck has been stationed outside the Melrose Branch Roanoke City Library at 2:00 PM. This has been a reliable source of nutritious meals, including a drink and either a piece of fruit or a snack, for children in the area. The local libraries further extend their support by offering breakfast or lunch, the schedules of which can be confirmed by contacting individual branches.
The President of SWV, Pamela Irvine, said that initially, program volunteers had to remain at food distribution sites to ensure that children were consuming the provided meals. However, this rules has been abolished, allowing the organization to shift focus to other pressing matters.
Irvine highlighted that many children in the area rely on school-provided breakfast and lunch as their primary source of nourishment throughout the day. To address this, SWV runs a backpack program that offers students a wholesome snack to take home for the weekend. However, the closure of schools during the summer period precipitates a spike in food insecurity. The state of Virginia suffers from a higher rate of food scarcity than the national average—13% compared to 9%.
Feeding Southwest Virginia remains resolute in its mission to narrow this gap and welcomes contributions in the form of food, funds, or volunteer hours. For individuals unable to visit their nearest library, the Main Library can be reached at 540-853-2473 for additional information about the summer feeding program. It is crucial for children in need to visit the libraries and benefit from this food program.
Information regarding the organization’s services can be accessed via their website. Please contact your local library for information about the varying schedules of these programs.
