Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Calls on Community to Take Action Against Hunger in September

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is asking residents across western and central Virginia to help fight hunger during September as part of Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign organized through the Feeding America network.

The monthlong effort is designed to raise awareness about food insecurity and encourage people to donate, volunteer, advocate, and help spread the word about hunger in their communities. Hunger Action Day will be observed Sept. 29.

“Across the Blue Ridge, the Food Bank and our partner network are seeing a higher need for food assistance than ever in our 45-year history,” said Kari Diener, CEO of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. “Hunger touches children, families, seniors, and working people in every zip code in Virginia and across the country.”

Diener said addressing hunger requires a broad community effort.

“No one person can solve hunger alone, but together, we can change the system so that everyone has enough to eat,” she said.

Over the past year, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and its network of more than 300 partner pantries and program sites distributed more than 27 million meals, representing about 33 million pounds of food.

The organization said it is now serving an average of 178,700 guest visits each month.

That figure is the highest monthly average in the Food Bank’s 45-year history.

Guest visits increased by about 4% over the past year, according to the organization. Over the past four years, average monthly visits have climbed about 40%.

Those numbers reflect continued pressure on families, seniors and working households who rely on food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other community programs.

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank says even small contributions can make a difference. According to the organization, a $1 donation can provide more than three meals for neighbors experiencing hunger.

Residents can also volunteer with the Food Bank or one of its partner organizations, helping with food sorting, packing, distribution, and other work needed to serve the thousands of people who seek assistance each month.

The organization is also encouraging people to advocate for hunger-relief policies, including a two-year delay of a SNAP cost shift to states and action on the next federal Farm Bill.

Hunger Action Month also includes efforts to raise public awareness. The Food Bank is asking supporters to share its social media posts, talk with friends and neighbors about hunger, and wear orange on Sept. 29 for Hunger Action Day.

“Every action matters, whether it’s volunteering, speaking up, or giving,” Diener said. “Together, we can make our community stronger. After all, thriving, healthy communities begin with nourishing food.”

The Food Bank’s message this year centers on the idea that ending hunger takes many people working together.

Farmers, advocates, donors and volunteers each play a role in getting food to people who need it and in supporting systems intended to reduce hunger over the long term.

The organization serves 25 counties and eight cities in western and central Virginia through distribution centers in Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Winchester, along with its headquarters in Verona.

Founded in 1981, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization serving western and central Virginia.

Its network includes more than 300 community partners and programs, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other distribution sites.

The Food Bank is also a member of Feeding America, the country’s largest hunger-relief network.

For residents in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding communities, the organization’s Winchester distribution center and local partner agencies serve as part of the regional system that moves food from donors and suppliers to people facing food insecurity.

The Food Bank says its work continues to expand as demand grows.

With monthly visits reaching record levels, Hunger Action Month is being used not only to raise money, but also to recruit volunteers, encourage public discussion and draw attention to the growing number of people seeking food assistance.

Hunger Action Day on Sept. 29 will serve as a focal point for those efforts.

Residents interested in participating can learn more about Hunger Action Month, volunteer opportunities, and donation options at brafb.org/event/hunger-action-month/.

More information about the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is available at brafb.org.