Child Nutrition
What makes child nutrition so important to the Foodbank?
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia considers ending childhood hunger a major priority. In our service area, more than 79,600 youth are eligible for the free and reduced price lunch program at their schools. This is an indicator that the childen in our communities are not receiving the nutritious food they need to learn, and grow, which scientific research shows hinders their productivity as citizens. The Foodbank operates two core programs to address childhood hunger:
Food insecurity in children has adverse effects on their physical, behavioral and mental health, development, and academic achievement. Insufficient nutrition puts children at risk for illness and a weak immune system.
Research shows that children living in food-insecure households have more difficulty concentrating in school than children in food-secure households, and the results of this condition have been linked to grade repetition, absenteeism, tardiness, anxiety, aggression, poor math scores, and difficulty with social interaction.
More than 9 million children are estimated to be served by Feeding America™, over 2 million of which are under ages 5 and under, representing nearly 13 percent of all children under age 18 in the United States and over 72 percent of all children in poverty. According to the USDA, an estimated 16.7 million children lived in food secure (low food security and very low food security) households in 2008, compared to 12.4 million in 2007.
Foodbank can purchase
foods needed to provide balanced meals and support the operation of all our programs.
Thousands like you give their time and talent, helping in the office, warehouse and
distribution sites.
Food drives are
wonderful opportunities
to contribute directly
to those in need.
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia is a nonprofit corporation governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. A copy of our financial statements is available upon request from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Virginia State Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, Virginia 23218. FEIN #52-1219783. The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and its branch, the Foodbank on the Eastern Shore, do not sell or share our list of donors to any third party entity.
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia is a member of Feeding America and the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.
