HAMPTON, Va. - Summertime is when childhood hunger is at its worst, according to the organization No Kid Hungry. That's why Gov. Terry McAuliffe and the First Lady Dorothy kicked off of the Hampton Summer Food Program on Wednesday morning at the West Hampton Community Center.
The program helps kids receive free meals when school is not in session. They get a lunch and an afternoon snack. "People don't realize that after the school year ends many of these same children don't have access to a nutritious meal," Gov. McAuliffe said.
The First Lady said around 300,000 kids are at risk across the Commonwealth. Of those who receive a free or reduced-price meal during the school year, only about 15% get one during the summer. "We want children to experience the joy and happiness of the summer months, but keep their brains and their bodies engages," Dorothy said.
Hampton has nearly 30 sites where kids under 18 can receive meals. There are many more across Hampton Roads. More information can be found at va.nokidhungry.org.
