USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is actively working with officials in Texas and Louisiana to ensure that people impacted by Hurricane Harvey have access to food now and after emergency operations are completed.

Parents of Prince William County Public School students wishing to apply for free and reduced-price meals can complete and submit their application online. The process can help families avoid delays they may encounter by applying by mail, and will ensure that applications are complete. The interactive online process prompts applicants to submit all the necessary information required.

UPDATED - Governor Terry McAuliffe has approved a $350,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Prince William County with a renovation-expansion of U.S. Foods' distribution facility in the Manassas area. Funding and services to support the company's employee training activities for about 100 new jobs over the next five years will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, according to the Governor's Office.

The all-organic and sustainability garden behind the Manassas Senior Center is full of life and color, including different shades of purples, greens and reds. While the garden is pretty to look at, it is also put to good use by the center.

Self-serve garden and fruit bars became a fixture in elementary school cafeterias in 2016-17. That pioneering, innovative approach brought PWCS the top award in the Healthy School Meals category in the 2017 VSBA Food for Thought competition.

Manassas City Public Schools is participating in the Summer Food Service Program July 24-Aug. 11. Breakfast (8:30-9 a.m.) and lunch (noon-12:45 p.m.) will be provided to all children without charge and will be the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Participating schools, addresses and meal times stated below.

Adam Russo, formerly director of food services for Hanover County Public Schools, has been appointed director of School Food and Nutrition Services effective July 3, 2017. Russo replaces Serena Suthers who is retiring after decades of service. Other administrative appointments are noted.

Virginia farmers have an incentive to donate excess product to nonprofit food banks due to the Food Crop Donation Tax Credit. Approved by the Virginia General Assembly during the 2016 Session, farmers who donate edible food crops to a nonprofit food bank can receive up to a 30 percent tax credit for their donation.