When the final bell rings and the school day ends, 16 local elementary schools shift from fueling young minds to nourishing growing bodies. Feed More’s monthly School Markets transform sidewalks and cafeterias into welcoming spaces filled with nutrition, connection and care.
At every School Market, educators, caregivers and students gather around baskets of collard greens and apples, pints of cherry tomatoes and tables holding whole grains and pantry staples. And sometimes, a towering box of fresh corn or local cabbage steals the show. These farmers market-style experiences create an informal but powerful parent-teacher moment, helping educators understand the needs of a child missing key nutritional building blocks. Or create a moment to talk about study habits or the need for additional mentoring. Everyone who walks through the market understands one thing: children learn better when they have ready access to healthy food.
“This is love in action,” says Tameka Ferrell, School Counselor and School Market Organizer at South Boston Elementary School. We agree and couldn’t have said it better ourselves, Ms. Ferrell.
- Piloted in 2017, School Markets have been selectively scaled in more rural areas where food insecurity scores are high.
- In 2024 alone, our School Market sites fielded 12,845 visits and distributed 431,024 pounds of food to families right here in Central Virginia.
- These markets are staffed by faculty and community volunteers who are willing to do the good and hard work of hosting.
