Students facing food insecurity in Chesterfield County will now have greater access to nutritious meals and essential supplies with the launch of the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center’s (CFBOC) School Pantry Program. The initiative was officially unveiled during a special event March 25 at J.G. Hening Elementary School.

CFBOC, which has spent the past 15 years combating hunger in the community, developed the School Pantry Program in collaboration with Chesterfield County Administrator Joseph Casey and Chesterfield County Public Schools Superintendent John Murray. The program provides free snacks, meal options and personal care items to students in need, ensuring year-round support beyond school meal programs.

“Many of our children in Chesterfield County face hunger year-round,” said Kim Hill, executive director of CFBOC. “With the launch of our School Pantry Program, alongside the other food initiatives we provide, we remain committed to combating hunger in every corner of our community.”

Over 50% of CCPS students receive free or reduced-price lunch, but gaps remain in access to meals outside of school hours. The School Pantry Program will initially serve students at 10 schools, including Hening Elementary, Salem Church Middle, and Thomas Dale High. CFBOC plans to expand the program throughout 2025 to reach more students in need.

Local officials, school leaders and CFBOC representatives attended the event, which featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guest speakers and discussions on the program’s impact.

The initiative builds on CFBOC’s existing efforts, such as its Kids Program, which has provided meals to 8,000 to 10,000 students each summer for the past eight years. CFBOC also works with Communities In Schools and other partners to support weekend backpack programs and sustain food pantries in schools.

More information about CFBOC can be found at www.cfboc.org.