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Food Resources for Families

Posted Date: 9/04/24 (3:05 PM)

Food Resources for Families
From Cville Schools Family & Community Engagement
Charlottesville Schools Family and Community Engagement Logo
Bianca Johnson signature block
Dear Cville Schools families–

As the school year begins, we’ve compiled a list of free food resources for families. In addition, we've included links to the Charlottesville “Street Sheet” showing community resources relating to food and other needs.

Our goal is to make you aware of community supports so that your student has everything they need to succeed this year!

Bianca Johnson
Family Engagement Coordinator
Food Resources at School
Illustration of banana, apple, sandwich with "Free School Meals Here"
Reminder: Breakfast and Lunch Are Free for All Students

All Cville Schools students can receive free breakfast and lunch at school (no application needed). We offer salads to offer choices for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian students. Out of respect for Jewish and Muslim students, no pork products are used. All meals and serving sizes follow USDA guidelines.

Flyer for Buford Eats (free food and snacks to take home every month). Find information and registration link in email.
For Buford Families Only: Free Food and Snacks Through Buford Eats
For Buford students and families needing food support, Buford Eats offers monthly distribution of shelf stable food and pop-ups with fresh produce at school events! Buford Eats is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and Charlottesville City Schools.

State/Federal Food Resources
Virginia Department of Social Services Logo (V in blue circle)
Virginia Department of Social Services
Apply or Renew for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and other benefits (Fuel Assistance/Child Care Services) through the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Charlottesville City Logo - Virginia 1762
Charlottesville Social Services
For other needs, call 970-3400 (Charlottesville). Offices are open to the public.

  • In Person: 120 7th Street NE, Charlottesville Applications are accepted between 8am and 5pm, but intake interviews are by appointment only. Call 434-970-3400 to schedule an appointment.
  • By Mail: Charlottesville Department of Social Services (CDSS) P.O. Box 911, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Local Community Food Resources
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank logo (white apple against a colorful sky and the Blue Ridge Mountains)
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Finder
Find free food options in our area using the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Food Finder. Click on the link, then type in your zip code to see resources in our area, along with hours, addresses, phone numbers, etc. It’s best to call before you go in case anything has changed.

  • Link for the Food Finder
  • You can also call the food bank’s main phone (540) 248-3663 for assistance.
Cultivate Charlottesville Logo (mosaic-like flower) "Grow, Share, Advocate."
Cultivate Community Market Days
In partnership with community volunteers and community members, Cultivate Charlottesville builds food equity by growing and sharing fresh, local produce with Charlottesville residents with limited financial resources. Community Market Days are also a great place to reconnect with friends and neighbors, pick up some recipes, or watch a cooking demonstration.

Logo for Emergency Food Network. EFN is designed to look like a brown grocery bag with handle.
Emergency Food Network (now open Saturdays)
Residents of Charlottesville or Albemarle County can receive a multi-day supply of food for their family once a month from the Emergency Food Network. 

Call (434) 979-9180 between 9am-12pm on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or (new this year) Saturday.

Pick up your order on the same day at their distribution site at 900 Harris St. between 1:30 and 3:30pm.
Logo for Loaves & Fishes (wheat, bread, fish). "Your healthy food pantry."
Loaves and Fishes
Loaves & Fishes can provide a household with groceries two times each month. Each time someone visits Loaves & Fishes, they will receive a grocery cart (about 100 pounds) of fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, pastries, and dessert, milk, eggs, frozen meat, and a variety of canned and dried fruits, canned vegetables, and other shelf-stable foods like oil, cereal, pasta, and rice.

How to Receive Other Help in Charlottesville
Screen Shot of the "Street Sheet" (find link to document in newsletter)
Other Resources in our Area
This "Street Sheet" provides information about other ways to receive assistance in many areas such as food, transportation, or mental health.