Craig County Public Library announces Summer Feeding Program

Summer is right around the corner, and this year, many more households may be worried about the increased expenses the summer months tend to bring. School dismisses soon, meaning the kids will be home, and many will see a drastic increase in their monthly expenses. During the school year, students attending Craig County Public Schools receive free breakfast and lunch daily. However, until now the guarantee of at least two nutritious meals daily is not available during the summer. The Craig County Public Library has partnered with Feeding Southwest Virginia to bring the Summer Feeding Service Program (SFSP) to Craig County. The SFSP aims to ensure all children under 18 years of age (unless 18+ and enrolled in a public school program) have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. Eligible and enrolled children will receive two food boxes every other week throughout the summer. 

“We are unbelievably grateful for the opportunity to participate in summer feeding,” said Michaela Crawford, program coordinator for the Craig County Public Library. According to a seasonal food insecurity study conducted from 1995-2001, food insecurity is higher in the summer months, particularly in states offering fewer SFSP programs. The study also found at least 60% of households see an increase in expenses during the summer months, with an average increase of $300 per month (in 2001). “More families will feel the pinch this summer as fewer households can maintain with only one parent/guardian working. A household’s grocery expense alone could easily mean their monthly expenses have the potential to increase by at least $400-$600 per month,” explained Crawford. “We encourage families to enroll as soon as possible to ensure their children have nutritious food options throughout summer.” 

Enrollment forms are available at the Craig County Public Library during regular business hours. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) complete one enrollment form for all eligible children in your household. “Enrollment is continuous throughout the summer; however, there are cut-off dates to qualify for boxes. We must have enrollment forms turned in at least twelve days before the next box distribution, so enrolling as soon as possible is important to avoid missing the cut-off dates and box distributions,” Crawford explained. 

The Craig County Public Library will distribute food boxes and milk every other Wednesday, beginning Wednesday, May 29, and the final box distribution will be on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Food box distribution will be held at Lemon and Vale Cakery from noon to 2 p.m. or 6 to 7:30 p.m. Boxes must be picked up by the parent/guardian(s) signing the enrollment form. All boxed items and milk are shelf stable. A menu is available for May at the Craig County Public Library, and you can find the menu on display at each box distribution. 

“We cannot express enough just how thankful we are for Dawn Perkey and Lemon and Vale. Dawn did not hesitate when asked if we could store and distribute food boxes from Lemon and Vale. Without the bigger storage and distribution space, the program would have fallen through, so we are ever so grateful for Dawn’s kind and caring nature. We also thank Feeding Southwest Virginia and the unsung heroes behind the scenes for putting it together. We also thank our volunteers for the time they have already taken to complete training and their willingness to help get the SFSP up and running,” Crawford said. If anyone is interested in volunteering, donating, or have more questions regarding the SFSP, please get in touch with Michaela Crawford at the Craig County Public Library at (540) 864-8978 during regular business hours. 

-The New Castle Record