Summer of Feeding Children
Today, one in five children in the U.S. faces food insecurity.
When school meal programs pause for the summer, many families are left struggling to fill the gap.
This summer, Mercy Chefs is stepping in to help bridge that gap, ensuring kids in underserved communities have access to food even after the school year ends. Through partnerships with youth camps, schools, and churches across the country, we are distributing backpacks filled with the equivalent of seven nutritious meals, bringing tangible hope to children.
No child should have to worry about their next meal.
In Hampton Roads, our Feed 757 initiative is reaching thousands of local kids with meal-filled backpacks.
But our outreach doesn’t stop there! Through our Community Kitchens, Mercy Chefs is also serving hot, chef-prepared meals to children at summer programs.
From Portsmouth, VA, to Tampa, FL, to Nashville, TN, we are on the ground, raising awareness, offering comfort, and providing over 200,000 meals to children in need throughout the summer.
June 25, 2025
Feed 757 Kicks Off in Portsmouth
Mercy Chefs kicked off our Feed 757 initiative at Hodges Manor Elementary School in Portsmouth, VA, as part of our efforts to ensure children across Hampton Roads have access to meals while school is out.
This kickoff marks the beginning of a seven-week outreach, meeting urgent needs and bringing hope to our neighbors. Learn more about the initiative here.
Thank you for helping us feed body and soul this summer, both here in Hampton Roads and nationwide.
June 23, 2025
Emergency Relief for Nashville Students
During a recent check-in with Metro Nashville Public Schools, Mercy Chefs learned that many summer school students—some experiencing homelessness or in foster care—were not receiving proper meals. In some locations, chips like Hot Cheetos were the only dinner option.
We stepped in immediately. Since last Friday, we’ve been serving hundreds of hot, nutritious meals daily, and we will continue through the end of the summer session. We’re committed to supporting these students beyond meals.
This is a powerful reminder of the millions of children facing food insecurity. Through your support, we’re able to respond quickly, offering dignity, nourishment, and hope when it’s needed most.
Send a Meal
We’ve seen firsthand the impact a hot meal can have on a child.
You can be part of that transformation. Your gift today will help us reach more children with life-giving meals this summer. Together, we can make sure no child is forgotten.
