Backpacks, notebooks, pencils. This time of year is full of checklists as families across Virginia get ready for a new school year.
Along with school supplies and new routines, there is something else that helps students start the year strong: access to healthy meals.
When children have the nutrition they need, they are better able to focus, participate, and make the most of their time in the classroom. Simply put, food helps kids learn.
School meals are also an important resource for families. In a recent national survey commissioned by No Kid Hungry, 82% of parents said school meals are very or extremely valuable to their family. And the benefits go beyond the meal itself. Nearly half of parents, 47%, said knowing their children have access to meals at school reduces their stress a great deal.
That is why making school meals accessible is so important. Back-to-school season is also an opportunity to connect families with the resources that help children stay nourished all year long.
Across the Commonwealth, schools are working hard to make sure students can access the meals they need through programs like school breakfast and lunch, along with options like the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows eligible schools to offer meals at no cost to all students.
For families navigating busy mornings, initiatives like Breakfast After the Bell make a meaningful difference. Whether it is breakfast in the classroom or a grab-and-go meal, these approaches help ensure that students can start their day nourished and ready to learn.
School meals are just one part of a broader network of support. Programs like SNAP can help families put food on the table at home, while summer programs like SUN Bucks help bridge the gap when school is out. Together, these resources support children and families throughout the year.
As the new school year begins, we are grateful for the many people who make these programs possible, from school nutrition professionals and educators to community partners and advocates working every day to support Virginia students.
When we make sure kids have enough to eat, we are supporting more than their day at school. You can count on No Kid Hungry to help Virginia’s kids learn, grow, and thrive all year long.
