Mercy Chefs Expands Summer Backpack Food Program to Communities Nationwide
WHAT: Mercy Chefs will host a backpack build and distribution event at Hodges Manor Elementary School to help provide food for local families, marking the kickoff of its expanded summer feeding program. During the event, volunteers will fill 2,800 backpacks with easy-to-make meals and healthy snacks that will be distributed across Hampton Roads as part of the organization’s Feed 757 Initiative.
Throughout July and August 2026, Mercy Chefs plans to distribute 300 food-filled backpacks each Wednesday to schools, churches, and community centers near its Community Kitchen and Beacon of Hope locations in Portsmouth and Richmond, Virginia; Nashville, Tennessee; Tampa, Florida; St. Louis, Missouri; and Kerrville, Texas. The initiative is designed to help ensure children and families have consistent access to meals during the summer months, when food insecurity often rises as school meal programs pause.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 24, 2026:
- 3-5 pm – Backpack Build
- 5-6 pm – Distribution
WHERE: Hodges Manor Elementary School, 1201 Cherokee Rd., Portsmouth, VA 23701
WHO: Mercy Chefs staff, volunteers, and local families served by the Community Kitchen.
VISUALS: Volunteers building backpacks, families receiving backpacks during distribution, interviews with Mercy Chefs staff and volunteers.
Learn more about Mercy Chefs’ Summer of Feeding program at mercychefs.com/summer-of-feeding-children.