HAMPTON, Va. — The Boys and Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula is getting a major upgrade at the organization's location in Hampton.
The club is getting a brand new state-of-the-art kitchen at the Tyrod Taylor Wellness Center, located at the Citizens Unit near the city’s Wythe neighborhood.
Officials said the kitchen will serve hundreds of hot meals to local youth every week, all thanks to a $20,000 donation from Hampton Roads-based company, Smithfield Foods.
The club’s President and CEO Hal Smith said it’s a critical need.
“Feeding America states that one and five kids are at risk for hunger in the United States,” Smith said. “So, the completed kitchen will allow us to expand our EatSMART program which ensures that all of our club members are served a healthy snack and healthy dinner every day at no charge.”
Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck also welcomed the donation as an investment in the community.
“If you think about it, there’s not a more fundamental way to help young people than by making sure that they have nutritious food,” Tuck said. “A healthy body feeds a healthy mind and healthy soul.”
Smithfield Foods’ Johnathan Toms said this donation is a chance for his team to give back to the community.
“Many of our employees call the Virginia Peninsula and the city of Hampton home, myself included,” Toms said. “So, we’re so glad to be able to be here today and make a difference in this community.”
According to Smith, his team hopes to get the kitchen up and running by Thanksgiving.
When this kitchen is complete, it will serve as a central hub for volunteers and team members with the Boys and Girls Club to cook and serve meals.