Nutritious Meals, All Summer Long: Grove’s Summer Lunch Program Supports Local Children
For many students, school isn’t just a place for learning—it’s where they receive their most reliable meals. But what happens when summer vacation begins?
Thanks to a continued partnership with Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, Grove Christian Outreach Center is making sure no child in the Grove community goes without a nutritious lunch this summer.
From June 23 through August 11, the Grove Summer Lunch Program is providing healthy lunches seven days a week to more than 120 school-aged children.
“This came out of an initiative by the Greater Williamsburg Child Hunger Coalition, which was formed in 2023 and met throughout 2024 and into 2025 to discuss the challenges and solutions to ensure children get a meal for each day of the week,” said Katie Patrick, Executive Director at Grove.
The Coalition was a community-based team of community members including representatives from Williamsburg House of Mercy, FISH, Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, distinguished pediatrician Cindy Devore, Williamsburg Area Meals on Wheels, Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency, members of the James City County Lions and Grove.
“During the summer, kids are often home—and if their parent isn’t, that opens up the opportunity for them to not receive a meal at all,” said Matthew Pollino, Development Manager at Grove. “This program ensures that children aren’t just being fed—they’re being fed something healthy and nutritious. It’s about making sure they continue to eat well, even when school’s out.”
The Grove Summer Lunch Program is possible thanks to Williamsburg-James City County Schools, a grant from the Williamsburg Health Foundation and the many dedicated volunteers who give so generously of their time.
Here’s how it all works.
The schools prepare, package and freeze the meals. Grove Christian Outreach Center volunteers pick the meals up in a meal delivery truck.
“Volunteers then deliver the majority of the meals to children in the Grove community,” Patrick said.
Meals for all seven days of the week are delivered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The need is real not just in Grove.
In Virginia, 13% of children live below the poverty line (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2025). Nationally, 14 million children experience food insecurity annually, meaning they lack consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life (Feeding America).
Access to nutritious food isn’t just about staying full, it’s about thriving. Research shows that good nutrition plays a key role in keeping skin, teeth and eyes healthy. It supports strong muscles, helps children achieve and maintain a healthy weight and strengthens bones. Proper nourishment also aids brain development, promotes healthy growth, boosts immunity and ensures the digestive system functions effectively.(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024).
Inconsistent access to food during summer months can undo some of the progress made during the school year.
With the food for the Summer Lunch Program already generously provided, donations from the community can continue to fill The Gathering Place, Williamsburg’s first free grocery market here at Grove.
Consider continuing to fill our shelves by donating:
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Fruit cups in 100% juice
- Granola bars
- Applesauce pouches
- Whole grain crackers
- Individual trail mix or nut packs
- Shelf-stable milk or juice boxes