From left, Lisa Morris, Kristie Kimberlin, and Shalee Kornhiser are among the dedicated food service staff who help make Alleghany Highlands Public Schools’ summer meals program a success. The program helps ensure kids receive nutritious meals during the summer, regardless of income. On a recent day at Callaghan Elementary, Morris, Kimberlin, and Kornhiser helped distribute approximately 80 meal packets to families. (AHPS Photo)

AHPS Summer Meal Program in Full Swing By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Covington, VA (July 1, 2025)— With summer break now in full swing, so is the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools (AHPS) Summer Meal Program. The AHPS Summer Meal Program has been around for several years and aids families in the Alleghany Highlands in keeping their children nourished in those summer months when school is out. The program is open to anyone age 18-under, is available at no cost, has no registration requirements, and no income limitations. It is simply a program that provides free, healthy meals to children throughout summer, thus easing the financial burden for parents while simultaneously fighting childhood hunger. Debra Buckner, the food services supervisor for AHPS, is very passionate about the work AHPS does in ensuring local children have solid meals throughout the summer. “No child should ever go hungry,” said Buckner. “This program is about more than just meals. It’s about caring for our community and making sure every child has access to a nutritious meal.” With June now over, children can still get access to grab-and-go 7-day meal packets available on a first-come, first-served basis at Callaghan Elementary School, Jeter-Watson Elementary School, and Victory Baptist Church. The days for pickup are July 2, July 10, July 17, and July 24. Callaghan's pickup times are 11:30 a.m.—12 p.m., Jeter-Watson is 11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m, and Victory Baptist is 11 a.m.—11:30 p.m. Additionally, Mountain View Elementary and the Alleghany Highlands YMCA offer an on-site breakfast from 8 a.m.—9 a.m., and an on-site lunch from 11 a.m.—12 p.m. During lunch, three-day meal packets can be picked up at either location. For more information, please visit www.ahps.k12.va.us or contact AHPS at (540) 863-1800. Callaghan Elementary School serves as one of the distribution sites for Alleghany Highlands Public Schools’ summer meals program for children. Families arrive by vehicle, and AHPS staff members efficiently distribute nutritious meal packets as vehicles enter and exit the main parking lot. (AHPS Photo)

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