Virginia Natural Gas Foundation's $60K Grant Boosts CHIP's Effort to Tackle Child Food Insecurity in Southeastern Virginia

The Children's Health Investment Program (CHIP) of South Hampton Roads has received a $60,000 grant from the Virginia Natural Gas Foundation to enhance the well-being of children and families in southeastern Virginia. This grant will facilitate the initiation of the construction of the Virginia Natural Gas Foundation Community Kitchen at The Sankofa Family Center. The primary focus of this initiative is to combat food insecurity through the provision of educational programs, affordable and healthy meals, and cooking demonstrations that celebrate diverse culinary traditions. 

In response to the significant poverty rate among school-aged children in Hampton Roads, where two out of every five children live in poverty, the VNG Foundation chose to collaborate with CHIP to address the issue. Food insecurity, stemming from limited resource access, is a contributing factor to chronic health conditions, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. The VNG Foundation's grant aims to ensure consistent access to sufficient food options and offer long-term educational support in South Hampton Roads. 

VNG President and CEO Robert Duvall expressed the Foundation's honor in partnering with CHIP and emphasized their commitment to addressing food insecurity through sustainable solutions. The Virginia Natural Gas Foundation Community Kitchen, once operational, is expected to play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity in South Hampton Roads. It will serve as a venue for neighborhood food distributions, raise awareness about healthy living, and provide a gathering space for families in need. 

The construction of the demonstration kitchen is scheduled to commence in 2024. The kitchen, located at The Sankofa Family Center, will not only support CHIP's vision of healthy communities starting with healthy children but also become a vital resource for the South Norfolk Community. The partnership with Chef Teresa Licato from Healthy Chesapeake will further enhance the kitchen's impact by hosting events that focus on culturally representative cuisine and adapting traditional dishes for a healthier diet.

The Virginia Natural Gas Foundation, a subsidiary of the Southern Company Gas Foundation, is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations in southeastern Virginia. The Foundation's mission includes advancing social justice, promoting economic development, providing energy assistance, caring for the environment, and supporting the arts and education in the regions where Virginia Natural Gas employees live and work. 

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