Editor:

Thank you for highlighting the Summer Meals program site at the Barbara Rose Johns Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library recently. The new site is a partnership between Prince Edward County Public Schools and the library. It’s an excellent example of the power of collaboration.

This summer, an average of 40-60 kids visited the library every weekday to eat healthy and nutritious meals. Youth also were able to access the library’s books and programming while there. The site not only fed bodies and minds, it set students up for success as they head back to school.

Sites like the Barbara Rose Johns Farmville-Prince Edward Community library are important. For many kids, summer is the hungriest time of year. When schools close for the summer, school meals disappear as well. Only about 15 percent of Virginia students who rely on free or reduced-price school lunches also are getting free meals through summer programs. Free summer meal programs – at schools and places like the library – are the answer.

We’re proud and appreciate the work Prince Edward County Public Schools and its partners are doing to reach more kids with summer meals.

Claire Mansfield

Director No Kid Hungry Virginia