During the school year, local students receive healthy meals, but many go without during the summer. That’s where Feeding Southwest Virginia comes in.
Botetourt County Libraries approached the Botetourt Resource Center, with a partnership opportunity through Feeding Southwest Virginia’s Summer Food Service Program, to ensure that children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. The Botetourt Resource Center serves as the primary partner and storage/distribution center, and library staff provides onsite assistance on meal distribution days. During their first visit to the Resource Center, parents/guardians must fill out a short enrollment form to order meal boxes.
“It’s not unusual to see hungry kids at the library,” noted Buchanan Library Branch Manager Cheryl Wagner. “We don’t have the resources ourselves to feed all those kids, or the space to store meals. But we know that kids can’t continue to read and learn this summer if they’re too hungry to think. We’re so grateful to the Botetourt Resource Center for jumping at the opportunity and taking on this project with us.”
Children aged 1-18 can receive free meals and snacks through this program. When families pick up meals, library staff will also offer educational activities that kids can take home, allowing kids to nourish both their bodies and minds!
The first food distribution date was Monday, July 1. Remaining dates are:
- Monday, July 15, 5-6 p.m.
- Monday, July 29, 5-6 p.m.
Distribution will take place at the Botetourt Resource Center located at 33 Bedford Street, Buchanan.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
