Tipping the Scales on Food Insecurity

1 in 6 children in Central VA do not have secure food sources. Over 50,000 in Central VA do not know where their next meal comes from.

Tipping the Scales on Food Insecurity is a tangible way we can live out our Gospel-Centered Path Out of Poverty by coming alongside local schools to provide easy, kid-friendly meals for students who need them most.

For some students, school is where they receive consistent meals. When weekends and breaks come, that support isn’t always there. This initiative helps ensure they have access to food they can prepare on their own—bringing both nourishment and peace of mind.

More than meeting a physical need, this is an opportunity to reflect the love of Jesus as students head into a new school year.

How You Can Help

Getting involved is simple:

• Shop from the list of non-perishable items
• Drop off donations at your campus during the campaign dates

Packaged Food List for Students

Ready-to-Eat / No Prep

• Granola bars
• Protein bars
• Applesauce cups or pouches
• Fruit cups (in juice, not syrup)
• Pudding cups
• Snack packs (crackers, cookies, etc.)
• Trail mix or individual nut packs
• Popcorn (pre-popped bags)

Easy Meals (Microwave or Minimal Prep)

• Microwaveable mac & cheese cups
• Instant ramen or noodle cups
• Microwaveable rice or pasta packets
• Canned soup with pull tabs
• Chef Boyardee or similar canned meals

Breakfast Items

• Instant oatmeal packets
• Cereal cups or small cereal boxes
• Shelf-stable milk (single serve)
• Breakfast bars

Protein Options

• Peanut butter packets
• Beef jerky or meat sticks

Drinks

• Juice boxes
• Bottled water

Note for Louisa Campus:

In partnering with the Louisa Resource Council, we are collecting specific food items to help support local families. They are asking for regular or smaller-sized cans, plastic containers, and boxes, as these fit best into backpacks and emergency bags. High-priority items include canned tuna fish (#1 requested item), 1 lb bags of rice, canned meats like Spam, peanut butter and jelly, boxed mac & cheese, and canned soups, beans, and vegetables. Please avoid jumbo-sized items, juice boxes, chips, and any glass containers.