RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - Every week during the school year, Feed More's backpack program sends children home with bags filled with food for the weekend.
Now that class is out, the non-profit wants to keep kids well fed all summer long.
Lisa Berkompas volunteers her time making sure boys and girls in our area never do.
“Every now and then I wonder who it’s going to. I don’t always feel like I’m doing a lot, but the little bit that I am doing along with everyone else is making a big difference,” said Berkompas. “It makes me feel really good.”
Volunteers and workers at Feed More in Richmond are preparing for their summer meals program.
Chetta Yonaitis with Feed More says it is heartbreaking to know children are going hungry on a daily basis.
“We are going to feed as many children as we can this summer,” said Yonaitis. “One in six children in Central Virginia is considered chronically hungry.”
For thousands of little ones across our area, the end of school doesn’t mean taking a break from hunger.
Feed More’s eight week program provides breakfast and lunch to children under 18 in seven different areas. Including Richmond, Hopewell, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Colonial Heights and Petersburg. Fifty-three sites will serve nearly six thousand meals each weekday.
“We’re going to start coming in at 6am on Monday to make sure everything is prepared,” said Brenda Hunter. “They’ll get a drink and dessert and nice fruit.”
Hunter, who cranks out trays of biscuits and macaroni and cheese ready for delivery, said she feel happy and satisfied that she is able to help provide a nutritious meal for the kids.
Knowing they’re making an impact, keeps the volunteers coming back all summer long.
Feed More's summer program kicks into high gear Monday and runs through August 24th. If you would like to donate your time or money Feed More would like to hear from you.
