Despite Charlottesville’s ample wealth and resources, it is rife with inequality and inequity. Today, nearly one in four city residents lives below the poverty line, and one in six struggles with food insecurity. Within the city school district, over half of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Enter the PB&J Fund. During its normal operations, the nonprofit teaches kids and parents how to make affordable, healthy meals. But since the start of the pandemic, it’s focused on distributing free fresh produce and simple recipes to more than 400 struggling families in the city. In summer of 2021, it provided fresh fruit to camps run by the Boys & Girls Club and Abundant Life Ministries, as well as Charlottesville’s summer school.
ReadyKids also serves thousands of local at-risk youth and families, especially those who have experienced trauma. In addition to providing counseling services, the nonprofit offers support for pregnant mothers and new parents, as well as fatherhood coaching for incarcerated men—all at no cost to participants. To help young children prepare for school, there are a variety of early-learning opportunities available too, including weekly playgroups.
Kids who need extra support—or simply more positive role models in their life—can sign up to become a “Little” with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge. After being paired with a student, adult volunteer “Bigs” provide their “Littles,” ranging from 6 to 16 years old, with one-on-one mentorship and enriching opportunities. They spend time together every week for a year or more, building long-lasting, influential relationships.