CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Department of Education is seeking partnerships with organizations across the state to help feed children and provide supervised activities this summer.

An average of 204,115 children in West Virginia — about 86 percent of school children — receive free and reduced-price meals at school. It is important to provide meals to children during the summer months when food insecurity peaks, state officials say.

County boards of education, local government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations can participate in the Summer Food Service Program, which pledges to provide children in lower-income areas with free, nutritious meals during the summer. This can supplement students when they do not have access to programs during the school year, such as the School Breakfast Program or National School Lunch Program.

Feeding sites often include schools, churches, community centers, pools, parks, libraries, housing complexes and summer camps.

“Supporting summer feeding sites in your community is one of the most important things you can do to ensure no child goes hungry this summer,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “Children require consistent, good-quality nutrition for the development of their minds and bodies. We want to make certain every child returns to the classroom in the fall ready to learn.”

“In 2025, over 400 Summer Food Program sites provided nutritious meals to children in West Virginia, and we believe many organizations will renew their commitment for 2026,” said Director of the Office of Child Nutrition Tony Crago. “We encourage new organizations in communities all across the Mountain State to join us so the number of sites can grow and more children have access to healthy meals.”

Organizations interested in becoming a 2026 summer sponsor should contact Cybele Boehm or Samantha Reeves with the Office of Child Nutrition at cboehm@k12.wv.us or snsnuffer@k12.wv.us or by calling (304) 558-3396.

Summer sites will be announced in June.