All aboard for free meals for kids!
That’s the message on the back of the Capital Area Food Bank’s new Mobile Meals bus, custom-built to make it easier for kids to enjoy a warm, nutritious meal right in their community.
For years, the Mobile Meals bus has brought free meals directly to children in Fairfax County. Now, as the school year gets underway, a brand-new bus is hitting the road to continue that service with new features designed to make mealtimes more comfortable, convenient and welcoming. For the first time, kids can now sit down and eat inside the bus, giving them a safe, comfortable place to enjoy their meal, rain or shine. Parents are welcome to come aboard with their kids, while two food bank staff members are there to serve meals and welcome kids who live nearby and may stop by on their own.
The meals have changed, too. The new bus now has the equipment needed to serve warm food, so kids can receive a hot, plated meal ready to enjoy right away. Each meal includes a protein, fruit, vegetable, whole grain, and milk — a balanced meal to help fuel everything that comes after the school day ends.
For some familiar faces who have visited the Mobile Meals bus over the past few years, the difference is already noticeable. Kids have told our team they like the new meals and returning visitors have shared that they think the food is even better than before.
Manny, whose nine-year-old daughter visits the bus, likes that kids can now sit down inside with a warm meal and enjoy it right away. He also sees the bus as something that benefits the entire neighborhood.
“It’s nice because it brings the community together,” he said. “Everyone meets here and it becomes a joint venture for other programs and it’s easy for every parent in the neighborhood.”
That convenience is an important part of the program. Afternoons can be busy with homework, sports, clubs, and other activities. Having a free meal available nearby can help kids stay fueled for what comes next while giving parents one less meal to worry about.
For Mire, the bus was a new discovery. She spotted it parked near the Lorton Community Action Center and stopped by her two daughters. One of them loved her meal and got to try fresh honeydew for the first time.
“It’s yummier than I thought it would be,” the girl said after her first taste
The bus was custom-made for the Capital Area Food Bank, and it was made possible through generous support from Harris Teeter. Families recently had the chance to explore the new bus during a community event celebrating its official launch.
With the school year getting underway, the bus will now serve afterschool meals at two locations – times and addresses of the bus stops can be found at capitalareafoodbank.org/bus..
Because when the school day ends, kids need fuel for whatever comes next — whether that’s homework, practice, playtime or simply time to be kids. The new Mobile Meals bus is helping make that meal easier to find, right in their communities.
Photo Credit: Jabin Botsford for Capital Area Food Bank