The Mathews Community Foundation (MCF) recently hosted a forum on child hunger in Mathews.

The discussions defined the problem of child hunger in the county, identified programs that exist to address the need, and recognized gaps that still exist, a release said. “We are committed to achieving an in-depth understanding of important issues in Mathews. Awareness helps us provide grants wisely,” said MCF chair Joan Keith.

Taking part were representatives from Agape Vision Community Church, Beulah and St. Paul United Methodist Churches, the Church of Francis de Sales, Hands Across Mathews, Mathews Continental Societies, Mathews County Public Schools and School Board, Mathews Department of Social Services, Mathews Family YMCA, Owens Foundation, Parent/Child Development Corporation (Mathews Head Start), Salem United Methodist Church, and the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.

“In Mathews County, 17.7 percent of our children are living in poverty,” said Mathews Social Ser...