CFBOC Celebrates School Pantry Rollout at Hening Elementary
- CFBOC Team
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
This week, the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center (CFBOC) took another powerful step in the fight against food insecurity with the official rollout of its School Pantry Program at Hening Elementary School. This initiative, designed to ensure students have access to nutritious food year-round, reflects CFBOC’s deep commitment to fighting hunger and empowering lives across Chesterfield County.
“We knew that there was more work to be done.” - Kim Hill, Executive Director of CFBOC
For years, CFBOC has provided essential food assistance through programs like the Kids Program, which serves 8,000 to 10,000 students annually during the summer. But hunger doesn’t take a break when school is in session. With more than 55% of Chesterfield County Public School (CCPS) students relying on free or reduced-price lunches, many children still face food insecurity after school, on weekends, and during school breaks.
To bridge this gap, CFBOC partnered with Chesterfield County leaders and CCPS officials to create the School Pantry Program, ensuring that students have access to free snacks, full meals, and even personal care items tailored to their school’s specific needs.
A Community United for Change
Tuesday’s event at Hening Elementary was a celebration of what’s possible when a community comes together to care for its own. Local leaders, school officials, and CFBOC team members gathered to highlight the impact of this program and the importance of ensuring that no child in Chesterfield County goes hungry.
The event culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing not only the opening of Hening’s school pantry but also the greater commitment to expanding food access across the county. As speakers shared their thoughts, the message was clear: this is just the beginning. CFBOC is committed to ensuring that every school in Chesterfield that needs a pantry has access to one. With 10 school pantries in place, CFBOC will continue expanding the program to meet the needs of the community.
Chesterfield County Schools Participating in the School Pantry Program
Chesterfield Recovery Academy | Falling Creek Middle School |
A.M. Davis Elementary School | Matoaca High School |
Hening Elementary School | Thomas Dale High School (both campuses) |
Salem Church Middle School | Carver Middle School |
Matoaca Middle School | Hopkins Elementary School |
These pantries are stocked with nutritious food and essential hygiene items, helping students focus on learning instead of hunger. CFBOC also partners with Communities In Schools (CIS), local churches, and nonprofit organizations to enhance food initiatives already in place. At Salem Church Middle and Hening Elementary, backpack programs have been expanded to provide full weekend meals for students in need.
The Power of Community Support
This program’s success—and its ability to reach even more schools in the future—depends on the generosity of our community. Volunteers, local businesses, and corporate partners play a critical role in ensuring that no child in Chesterfield County faces hunger alone. Whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, every effort makes an impact.
You CAN be a part of the solution! Visit www.cfboc.org to learn how you can support the School Pantry Program and help us build a hunger-free Chesterfield County—one school at a time.