CHRISTIANSBURG – Montgomery County children will have access to several summer nutrition programs this summer, including free meals, meal kits, and food assistance opportunities.
The Montgomery County Public Schools, Summer Food Service Program (SUN Meals), and Feeding Southwest Virginia will provide a variety of summer nutrition options to help ensure children continue to have access to healthy meals while school is not in session.
Summer school meals will be available at select school locations in June for students participating in summer programs. Auburn High School, Eastern Montgomery Elementary School, Falling Branch Elementary School, Kipps Elementary School, Belview Elementary School, and Christiansburg Middle School will provide meals June 8-17. Montgomery Central will provide meals June 2-25.
Schools participating in the Summer Food Service Program qualify for USDA reimbursement funding. In addition, Eastern Montgomery Elementary School and Belview Elementary School qualify for Rural Non-Congregate Feeding due to area eligibility and freeand reduced-price meal percentages above 50 percent, allowing weekend meal bags to be distributed June 11 and June 17.
The division will also offer SUN Meals and SUN Meal Kits through the USDA’s Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids initiative. Beginning June 8 and continuing through June 17, free summer meals will be available for children 18 years old and younger at Eastern Montgomery Elementary School, Falling Branch Elementary School, Belview Elementary School, and Christiansburg Middle School. Breakfast will be served 9 -10 a.m., and lunch will be available 12:45 – 1:45 p.m. Montgomery Central will also offer breakfast 9 -10 a.m. and lunch 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. June 2-25. Children receiving onsite meals must be accompanied by an adult and remain onsite while eating. All guests must sign in at the building’s main office before proceeding to the cafeteria.
In addition, SUN Meal Kits containing seven breakfasts and seven lunches will be distributed each Monday from June 22 to August 3. Pickup will be available 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Shawsville Middle School and Belview Elementary School. Starting June 29, pickup will also be available at Belmont Christian Church. Children do not need to be present during pickup.
Feeding Southwest Virginia is partnering with No Kid Hungry and Amazon to provide Children’s Summer Food Boxes for eligible families living in ZIP codes 24087 (Elliston), 24138 (Pilot), 24149 (Riner), or 24162 (Shawsville). Registration deadlines are June 8 and June 22, with distributions taking place from June 16 to August 4. Families can learn more and register at feedingswva.org/summer-food-service-program.
“Summer nutrition programs play an important role in supporting students and families when school is not in session,” said Superintendent Dr. Kelly Guempel. “We are proud to share a variety of meals and food assistance programs that help ensure children throughout our community continue to have access to nutritious food all summer long.” For more information about summer nutrition opportunities in Montgomery County, families are encouraged to contact MCPS Supervisor of School Nutrition Michelle Knotts at 540-382-5109 or visit www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-food-service-program. Meals and meal assistance programs are available regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Montgomery County Public Schools
