Students at schools in Rockbridge County and Buena Vista will continue receiving free breakfast and lunch through a federal program that supports meals for students in low-income areas. The program has allowed schools to provide meals for every student and reduce food service debts through reimbursements from the Virginia Department of Education.
Browsing: Food
A new hunger survey by the Capital Area Food Bank found that 42% of Virginia residents experience food insecurity, as rising living costs make groceries harder to afford. The Rockbridge Area Relief Association has seen demand for its food pantry increase by 25% in the past year, and Campus Kitchen is expanding food distribution to meet the growing needs.
Southern Virginia University senior Natalia Molanphy launched Mitcha Matcha in Buena Vista in September 2026, turning a longtime appreciation for matcha into a business that combines her interest in graphic design with her goal of earning money during college.
Rockbridge CAN is working to reach those in more isolated parts of the county, areas where many residents live alone. The organization brings free, sit-down meals to communities with limited access to fresh food.
The new pantries will operate as pilot sites this year as Campus Kitchen and the Rockbridge Area Relief Association assess the needs of the locations. Organizers say early turnout at the new sites has been lower than expected and they are working on community outreach.
Bill and Jessica Harden bought the former Bistro on Main building after the restaurant closed following two decades in downtown Lexington. The couple plans to open their third restaurant in that space by early next year.
The 43-day federal government shutdown intensified an already growing demand in Rockbridge County.
Families say the nonprofit group that connects families with community resources is easing holiday stress by providing free dinners once a week.
The farm opened Seasons Bakery & Cafe on Sept. 19 and is now looking to branch out to other parts of Virginia.
Appalachian Sage will be reopening as Wildberry Market on April 1. The owners of Season’s Yield plan to serve coffee and pastries, as well as acai, at the new location in mid-April.