Food Insecurity Resources & Support

Overview:

At Suffolk Public Library, we believe that access to food is just as vital as access to information. Recognizing the growing needs within our community, we’ve developed and partnered on several initiatives that go beyond books—programs designed to nourish bodies as well as minds.

From afterschool snacks and summer lunches to mobile food distributions and community-supported resource spaces, the library is proud to serve as a trusted hub for care, connection, and support. Whether through a snack offered during a Library2Go stop, a meal shared at Mess Hall, or a no-questions-asked pantry visit, these efforts reflect our commitment to addressing food insecurity and promoting equity across Suffolk.

Explore the programs below to learn how Suffolk Public Library is helping build a healthier, more connected community—one meal, one stop, one neighbor at a time.

Community Resource Patio

Located at the ForKids Birdsong Center on West Constance Road, the Community Resource Patio is a collaborative initiative between the Suffolk Public Library and ForKids, launched in May 2024. This outdoor space features a community fridge, pantry, and hygiene hut, providing 24/7 access to essential items such as food and toiletries. Designed to be barrier-free, it operates on a simple principle: take what you need, leave what you can—no forms, no questions asked.


Since its opening, the resource patio has become a vital support system for individuals and families facing food insecurity in Suffolk. The fridge and pantry are accessed approximately 300 times weekly, with donations and usage monitored through door sensors to maintain user anonymity. Donations typically deplete within a day or two, highlighting the community's active participation and the ongoing need for contributions.


The hygiene hut complements the food resources by offering toiletries, body care products, and cleaning supplies. Efforts are underway to expand offerings to include pet food, and there is a consistent demand for sunscreen and menstrual products.


This initiative exemplifies the power of community collaboration, with local businesses and residents contributing to its success. It's a testament to Suffolk's commitment to supporting neighbors in need, fostering a culture of generosity and care.


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After School Snack Program

The Suffolk Public Library's Afterschool Snack Program offers free snacks to children under 18 all year long. Operating at the Morgan Memorial Library, located at 443 West Washington Street, the program provides twenty five snacks daily on a first-come, first-served basis. Children can simply approach the front desk—no identification or registration required. 


Running Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m and all day Saturday, the program invites youth to enjoy a snack while exploring the library's resources, participating in activities, or engaging with peers in a safe and welcoming environment. 


This initiative is part of the library's commitment to supporting the community beyond traditional services, ensuring that children have access to essential resources that promote learning and well-being.

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Outreach Snack Program

The Suffolk Public Library’s Outreach Snack Program helps meet the nutritional needs of youth across the city by offering free snacks during Library2Go visits. Through this initiative, the library extends its support beyond building walls—bringing not just books and resources, but also a bit of nourishment to neighborhoods that need it most.

During select mobile outreach stops, children and teens under 18 can receive a prepackaged snack at no cost—no ID, registration, or purchase necessary. The snacks are offered alongside Library2Go’s regular services, which include access to books, Wi-Fi, community resources, and fun activities for all ages.

By combining literacy access with food support, the Outreach Snack Program helps bridge the gap for families experiencing food insecurity and strengthens the library’s role as a trusted and caring presence in the community.

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Mess Hall 

The Suffolk Public Library’s Mess Hall program offers free, nutritious lunches to children under 18 during the summer months. Held at the Morgan Memorial Library, lunches are served Monday through Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Beyond meals, Mess Hall provides daily activities encouraging kids to explore, create, and play in a safe, welcoming environment. Activities often include presentations and interactive sessions with community partners such as the Suffolk Fire Department, the Suffolk Master Gardeners and more!


This initiative is made possible through partnerships with organizations such as the USDA, the Virginia Department of Education and Suffolk Public Schools, reflecting the library's commitment to supporting families and promoting equity in our community.


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Previous Initiatives:

In 2024, the Suffolk Public Library partnered with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore to launch a monthly Library2Go Mobile Food Pantry—a unique initiative that combined library outreach with food distribution. Once a month, the Library2Go vehicle transformed into a mobile food pantry, delivering fresh produce, shelf-stable goods, and essential information directly to neighborhoods across Suffolk.


This innovative partnership helped reduce barriers to both food access and literacy by meeting people where they are. Alongside free food distributions, residents could check out books, get connected to community resources, and learn more about library programs—all in one convenient stop.


Though the mobile food pantry program has since concluded, it remains a strong example of how libraries and community partners can work together to address immediate needs while building trust and connection throughout the city.