WV Department of Ed. and Partners Release Locations for Summer Feeding Sites

Additional Sites Will Be Added as
They Are Approved

Charleston, W.Va. - The summer months often bring challenges for families facing food insecurity. The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is once again working with local partners to provide feeding sites for those 18 years old and younger. Through a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program, the WVDE approves and funds local partners to host Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sites in communities statewide. From grab-and-go to hot meals, these important nutrition programs fill a gap and feed thousands.

Inflation continues to impact families throughout the nation and the state. When schools break for the summer, food insecurity often increases without the school breakfasts, lunches and backpack programs that public schools offer. The SFSP allows local communities and organizations to step in and meet the needs of families when school is not in session. Last year, this program provided more than 1.4 million meals in our state.

Although the WVDE Office of Child Nutrition is still reviewing applications, State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt wants families to be aware that feeding sites are already opening in our state.

"Hunger does not take a break during summer, and our children may experience more challenges because school nutrition programs are not available," said Superintendent Blatt. "We want to push this information out so that those who need these resources can be assured that there are meals available for their children."

"Our public schools and community partners understand the critical needs that exist in our state to feed our children," said Superintendent Blatt. "Families seeking relief know that children have access to this important resource, and meals will be readily available. This reassurance is important now more than ever."

The USDA offers a website that lists locations to easily find feeding sites throughout the state and the country. The WVDE will continue to review and update the approved sites.

To learn more about sponsorships, visit the Summer Food Service Program page of the WVDE website.