VERONA, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), sponsoring nine locations starting in late May, helping ensure that children across the region have access to nutritious food.

Abundant Life is where the program will be administered in Charlottesville. The program will be active from June 20 to Aug. 11 every Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and noon to 12:30 p.m. 

One in 12 children in Virginia is food insecure. The Summer Food Service Program is designed to reach children who may not get nutritious meals at home over the school summer break. Students receiving free or reduced-price meals when school is in session are at particular risk.

BRAFB provides wholesome breakfast items, vegetables, fruit, dishes with protein from meat and other sources, and snacks to organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs, summer school programs, churches, and recreation programs that serve children at risk of being food insecure. It is provided to all children without charge, helping children thrive and stay on track for healthy development.

The Food Bank will serve about 300 children through SFSP, across its 25-county service area during this summer program. 

For more details about SFSP, visit the Food Bank’s website at http://www.brafb.org/summerfoodserviceprogram. 

Families who need food assistance can access the Food Bank’s “Food Finder” tool to locate local food pantries. Go to www.brafb.org/FoodFinder.