Food Resources for Families

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This "Street Sheet" provides information about other ways to receive assistance in many areas such as food, transportation, or mental health.