The Extra Mile: Reaching the Most Vulnerable to Address Rural Food Insecurity (Executive Summary)

The Extra Mile program, implemented by Save the Children, Mountaineer Food Bank, and the Clay County School District—piloted a community, led home-delivery food model to address severe and persistent food insecurity in rural West Virginia. The initiative delivered more than 155,000 meals to over 500 children in 212 households, many of whom faced overlapping challenges such as disability, housing instability, and limited transportation. Caregiver survey data show the program successfully reached families in need and contributed to measurable improvements, including a reported 10% decline in food insecurity and reduced financial strain for participating households. Home delivery proved essential for families unable to access traditional food assistance, offering not only meals but increased dignity and stability. Overall, the pilot demonstrates the effectiveness of school-partnered, community-driven delivery models in supporting vulnerable rural children whose learning is impacted by hunger.