ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is now sponsoring the At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program at several sites in the county.
The program will offer snacks to AHPS schools at no charge to students or their families. Participating schools in the program include Callaghan Elementary School, Jeter-Watson Elementary School, and Mountain View Elementary School.
According to the Virginia Department of Education, the At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program is part of the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program, which offers federal funding to after-school programs in low-income areas.
This allows locations that participate to receive the same snacks with no added charge to the students in the program.
“National data tells us that childhood hunger is on the rise. Students and families are still recovering from the lingering educational, social, and emotional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are delighted to be part of the At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program to ensure that children get the nutrition they need at afterschool programs,” said Debra Buckner, food services supervisor for AHPS
AHPS serves around 2,700 students, and the school division was created in July 2022 with the merger of Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center.
Funding for the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools comes from Alleghany County and the City of Covington.
For more information visit www.ahps.k12.va.us