Mercy Chefs invites local families to its free Back to School Block Party. This family-friendly event concludes Mercy Chefs’ expanded summer feeding and backpack program and supports families as they prepare for the new school year. 

Scheduled for August 12, 2026 from 4:30pm-7:30pm at Mercy Chefs’ Portsmouth headquarters (711 Washington St. Portsmouth, VA 23704) and held in partnership with Feed 757, the free block party will include entertainment and games as well as free haircuts, free books, backpacks, and a variety of community resources for local families ahead of back-to-school.