Good Food School Market: Nourishing Teens and Fostering Community

Because of the Good Food School Market (GFSM), more teens are getting the wholesome foods they need to create strong futures.

One in 12 children in the Blue Ridge service area faces hunger. Through school breakfasts and lunches, many children can get food assistance. But stigma complicates participation for teens who often don’t want others to know they are in need. And when a teenager lives with hunger in the house, so does the family.

By partnering with schools, the Food Bank has reimagined what food assistance for teens looks like. GFSM provides free, monthly distributions of nutrient-rich foods, including fresh produce, at high school-based pantries.

Distribution specifics vary at each GFSM location, but the menu is similar. It typically includes two breakfast items, two proteins, pasta and/or rice, peanut butter, shelf-stable milk, vegetables, and fruit—about 25-30 pounds of food.

Student leaders organize peer outreach to make the market a stigma-free space. All are welcome at the GFSM.