Maria Young Published

400+ Free Summer Feeding Sites Ready For W.Va. Students 

Several plates of berries and mini-muffins
The meals provided through the Summer Food Service program include fresh fruits and vegetables each day.
Bryce Smith/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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More than 400 Summer Food Service feeding sites for students across the state are now listed on an easily searchable website

The map shows locations throughout the state where thousands of West Virginia students 18 years old and under can access free, nutritious meals throughout the summer – thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture according to a press release.  

The Summer Food Service Program is administered by the state Department of Education (WVDE) and provides free breakfast and lunch most weekdays when school is out for the summer. The WVDE works with organizations who want to host a feeding site including schools, churches, community centers, pools, parks, libraries, housing complexes and summer camps.

“The kids will get a very square meal when they come for lunchtime,” said Michael Farmer,  CEO and executive director of Step by Step West Virginia, which operates five feeding sites in Kanawha and Lincoln counties.

“There will be a dairy, which is generally always milk. And then there will be a grain component, there will be a meat component, and there will also be a vegetable and a fruit serving on there,” he said.   

Farmer said the program is open to any student with age or income restrictions. 

“They do not have to sign up. They don’t have to show us any levels of social, economic wealth or gains. They are able to come and get a free meal,” he said.

“For families facing food insecurity, this program is more than a convenience; it is a staple for children,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “We appreciate the participating organizations, and we hope to include more sites in the years to come, especially in rural areas.” 

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