With a harsh winter storm affecting Virginia Beach, the city’s public schools have stepped up to ensure students continue receiving nutritious meals. The initiative provides free meals to students and their families, guaranteeing that no child experiences hunger due to school closures.
Community Support Through Meal Distribution
“We want to feed a whole community,” said Chef Rachel Amato, Director of Food Services at Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Understanding the importance of a reliable food source, Amato and her dedicated team of about 50 staff members have been working tirelessly to prepare and distribute meals to students learning remotely due to severe weather conditions.
Overcoming Challenges with Support from State and USDA
The State and USDA have implemented waivers to facilitate meal distribution, allowing schools to provide food regardless of whether students are engaged in asynchronous learning. These measures help ensure children receive the nourishment they need, even when they are unable to attend school in person.
“The ability to deliver meals despite school closures is wonderful,” said Amato, emphasizing the significance of the initiative in supporting local families.
Positive Impact on the Community
The winter storm led to widespread school closures across Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach. However, the school district remained committed to feeding students in need. Families have responded positively to the effort, expressing gratitude for the meals provided.
“It’s overwhelming to see how appreciative families are,” Amato noted. “Some people take access to food for granted, but for many, these meals make a significant difference.”
More Than Just a Meal
Since the program’s implementation, Virginia Beach City Public Schools has distributed over 10,000 meals to students. Amato believes that the initiative extends beyond feeding children—it strengthens the community as a whole by ensuring that students remain healthy and supported during challenging times.
TIDE Swimming Team Continues Training Despite Snow
While many students enjoyed a snow day, members of the TIDE Swimming team were back in the water, committed to their training routine.
“We swim outdoors year-round at Princess Anne YMCA,” said Coach Richard Hunter. “Fortunately, the YMCA was able to clear the deck, allowing us to resume practice safely.”
TIDE Swimming caters to athletes of all levels, from beginners to national competitors. On Friday, high school swimmers, including Afsana Rawlins, braved the cold to continue their training.
“It’s freezing outside, but the water is always heated, so that helps,” said Rawlins, a senior at Ocean Lakes High School.
The pool remains heated at 81 degrees, ensuring comfortable training conditions. However, as senior swimmer Benjamin Knight noted, the challenge lies in transitioning between the locker room and the pool in freezing temperatures.
“The worst part of practice is the walk to and from the pool,” Knight admitted.
Despite the frigid conditions, Coach Hunter emphasized the importance of consistency in training.
“Every practice counts—it’s part of the 200 sessions needed to improve and perform at the highest level,” he said.
Both the meal distribution effort and the dedication of student-athletes highlight the resilience of the Virginia Beach community in overcoming winter challenges.
