Meal Resources for Families

Although schools are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, school districts and community resources are providing meal assistance. Here is district information followed by restaurants we know of that are helping the community. The Virginia Department of Education also has information on accessing food during COVID-19 closures. No Kid Hungry Virginia has resources for children under the age of 18. 

The information in this post was last updated March 27, 2020.

See also: Where to Get Financial Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg City Public Schools is providing student lunches during this unanticipated school closure due to COVID-19. Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be provided, on a first come, first serve basis, according to the schedule.

Spotsylvania

SCPS has developed a food distribution program at designated sites.  Beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, SCPS will distribute FREE breakfast and lunch grab and go bags to all children age 18 years and under, as well as to any enrolled student who participates in SCPS support services programs, such as REACH. 

Food Distribution at the following 18 school sites will take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Please bring your children to the site as we can only give out food based on the number of children in your vehicle.
Food will be brought to your vehicle by staff.  In order to keep the line flowing, it is not necessary to get out of your vehicle.
If your older child can drive or walk to the site, it is not necessary for the parent/guardian to accompany them in order for them to receive grab and go meals. 

Please note: There are also plans to provide food similarly to students in several motels on Route 1, which currently house a substantial homeless student population.  

Stafford County

Beginning March 23, 2020, SCPS will offer meals to families at five sites:

• Widewater Elementary located at 101 Den Rich Road in Stafford;
• Kate Waller Barrett Elementary located at 150 Duffey Drive in Stafford;
• Falmouth Elementary located at 1000 Forbes Street in Falmouth;
• Rocky Run Elementary located at 95 Reservoir Road in Fredericksburg; and
• North Star Early Childhood Education Center located at 101 Shepherds Way in Stafford.

Staff will distribute curbside “grab and go” bagged lunches as well as breakfast for the following day from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition to providing school sites where families can pick up meals, SCPS will have food drop-off locations in the community. Families should look for an SCPS school bus or vehicle at these sites during the designated hours.  

Community members wishing to help should donate to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, which is supporting SCPS students with meals during this time.  Donations should be labeled for Stafford County Public Schools.

Westmoreland

From Westmoreland County Public Schools:

Governor Northam, in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, has ordered the closure of all K-12 schools for the remainder of the school year. While we understand the Governor’s decision, we also recognize that school closure poses a significant challenge for our students and your children. The administrative staff is working diligently, in collaboration with state officials, to develop plans to provide continued instruction and food service beyond this week, and throughout this long-term shut down. We will be sharing updates through phone messages, the division Facebook page, and the division website. We pray that you and your family stay safe and well during this challenging time. Please know that Westmoreland County Public Schools will be doing whatever we can to make a difficult situation better.

Monday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., the Westmoreland transportation department will deliver school prepared meals to homes. Each day we will be delivering the most popular breakfast and lunches. Please take advantage and meet the bus to pick up your meals in a timely manner. If you choose not to receive meals, please call the school board office at 804-493-8156 or 804-493-8018. 

Agencies

Information may change so please check their websites.

Listing of Virginia food pantries. 

Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank https://www.fredfood.org/

Stafford Emergency Relief https://www.serve-helps.org/

For more information about access to food for families including regional Food Banks, please call 211 or visit https://schoolmealfinder.hoonuit.com/?filter_state=va.

Restaurants

There are many great local businesses stepping up to make sure students are fed. This list was correct as of 3/27/20. Please check their websites or call to confirm as restaurants have been mandated to do take-out only, but may close.

Good Housekeeping compiled a list of restaurants providing free meals to children. Check with your local chain for offerings and updates.

Fredericksburg Parent & Family has a list of Kids Eat Free deals. Check with your local chain for offerings and updates. 

From S.E.R.V.E.

https://www.serve-helps.org/need-help/

* PD 16 stands for Planning District 16 which includes the counties and cities: Caroline County, King George County, Spotsylvania County, Stafford County, and The City of Fredericksburg.