Food Insecurity and Child Nutrition Programs April 4,

What is Food Insecurity? Exists whenever the availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or the ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways is limited or uncertain. Food insecure children are more likely to experience health issues and slower recovery from illnesses. Children who do not regularly get enough nutritious food are at greater risk for behavioral, emotional and academic problems and show increased aggression and anxiety. Good nutrition establishes a foundation for a child’s future physical and mental health, academic achievement, and ultimately their economic productivity. 2

Hunger in America what we know

The current state of child hunger 1 in 6 children in Virginia live in a food insecure household. More than 321,000 children are food insecure in Virginia. More than14% of children in Virginia live in poverty. Nearly 23% of households in Virginia with children struggle to afford enough food for themselves and their families in Food Pantries serve 30% children 0-18 years of age & 8.7% 0-5 years of age. 4

Child Nutrition Programs National School Lunch Program – breakfast & lunch Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program - USDA funded – Provides snacks and/or suppers through a sponsor – Eligibly- after school program site located in a school district with ≥50% free/reduced lunch program – Children do not need to qualify Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)- USDA funded – Provides breakfast and lunch through a sponsor – Eligibility – program site located in a school district with ≥50% free/reduced lunch program – Children can eat at any open program site and do not need to participate in program BackPack Program – Weekend meals for children identified through schools Food Pantries 5

Child Nutrition Programs 42% of Virginia's children receive free or reduced price lunch 26 jurisdictions operate under the Community Eligibility Provision On average, only 53 percent of children eating free or reduced- price school lunch are also getting school breakfast each day. On average, only 4 percent of children eligible for free or reduced- price lunch participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program At- risk Afterschool Meals program each school day. On average, only 13 percent of Virginia kids who rely on free or reduced-price school lunches are also getting free meals in the summer through the Summer Food Service Program. 6

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Local Food Pantries Soup KitchensShelters & CARITAS Child Care Centers Adult Care Centers Residential Group Homes Food Bank Partner agencies - All MUST be either a 501(c)3 organization or “Church” under IRS Guidelines -

RESOURCES Federation of Virginia Food Banks – list of food banks – Share our Strength – assist in locating summer site – Virginia Department of Health – Special Nutrition – Feeding America – FeedMore – Central Virginia, 34 jurisdictions –