Hampton City Schools receives VSBA Food for Thought award

Hampton City Schools (HCS) is honored with the 2025 Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Food for Thought Award in the category of Afterschool Meal Programs, recognizing the outstanding efforts of the division’s food and nutrition services team. The award was presented during the 40th Annual VSBA Conference on Education, held in Short Pump, VA, on July 25, 2025, with HCS School Board members in attendance.

 

Hampton City Schools launched its Afterschool Meals Program through the food and nutrition services (FNS) department to address the growing need for student nourishment during after-school hours. Recognizing that the time between lunch and dismissal is too long—especially for students staying for enrichment activities—the division created this program to support student wellness and equity.

 

“Food and nutrition services is honored to be recognized by the 2025 VSBA Food for Thought Competition for our Afterschool Meals Program,” said Edwina Forrest, Hampton City Schools director of food & nutrition services. “This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our food and nutrition services team and the support of our school staff and community partners who make it possible to provide nourishing meals to our students beyond the school day. At Hampton City Schools, we believe that every child deserves access to healthy food, and we are proud to support our students' academic and personal growth through our afterschool program.”

 

In partnership with existing after-school programs across all grade levels, including the School Age Program (SAP) in 24 elementary schools, FNS ensures that students receive nutritious snacks Monday through Friday whenever school is in session.