Federation of Virginia Food Banks

Food brings us together, especially during the holidays. This season, let’s make the holidays full and ensure everyone in Virginia can bring meals home. Join the Federation of Virginia Food Banks in the movement to end hunger at vafoodbanks.org.

Virginia Apples for Virginia Families The Federation of Virginia Food Banks, with support from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), is delivering 9,500 bushels of surplus fresh, Virginia-grown apples to families across the Commonwealth this holiday season. “This type of partnership is extremely beneficial for Virginia, as it helps to address food insecurity and support local agriculture,” says VDACS Commissioner Joe Guthrie. “Producers are compensated for their harvest cost, nutritious food is not wasted, and additional food resources are available to food banks throughout the Commonwealth.” This holiday season, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks and its partners urge all Virginians to come together to support neighbors in need and celebrate the generosity of the state’s farmers, ensuring every family has access to nutritious, locally grown food. Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/eWTMiuAS

Regardless of party, a strong majority of Americans believe that Congress should enact policies to reduce food insecurity. In fact, 84% of neighbors surveyed agree that policies should support dignity and choice in what families can feed their loved ones. Here in Virginia, we’re advocating for policies like increasing SNAP benefits for seniors, who are often among the most vulnerable to hunger. Let’s work together to ensure everyone has access to nourishing food. #EndHunger #SNAPAdvocacy #SeniorHunger #FoodInsecurity Credit: Feeding America Full Report: https://lnkd.in/g_gDBapn

Learn more about the Culinary Training Program at Virginia Peninsula Foodbank! This initiative is not only providing individuals with essential culinary skills but also opening doors to employment opportunities in the food industry. Programs like this are a key part of our collective mission to empower people and strengthen communities. We’re proud of all the work Virginia Peninsula Foodbank is doing! #CulinaryTraining #EmpowermentThroughSkills #EndHungerVA #StrongerTogether

Give back while checking out! From now until December 29, at all participating Wawa stores across Virginia, you can add $1, $3, or $5 to your total, with all proceeds supporting the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. Help nourish those in need within our community, and join us in the fight to Check-Out Hunger! #CheckOutHunger #COH2024

Most Virginians are one emergency away from hunger: According to a recent survey from No Kid Hungry Virginia and Change Research, two-thirds of Virginians would worry about their ability to afford food if faced with an unexpected $1,500 expense. "Economic shocks" like car repairs, medical bills, or natural disasters are a key driver of food insecurity for working families. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e8QXUDu2 #foodsecurity #virginia

Community partners like Feeding Southwest Virginia stepped up after Hurricane Helene, but long-term relief efforts could be strained in a region where food insecurity frequently tops 20%. Read more about how communities ensured none of their neighbors missed a meal in a time of disaster. From Cardinal News: https://lnkd.in/eM34_3qQ

Well-deserved recognition of Feed More's successful pilot project to get healthy groceries to patients at Walnut Hill Pharmacy. Healthcare partnerships are a key part of our strategy to improve hunger and health in Virginia. Together, Virginia's food banks reached 29,000 patients with healthy food in clinics last year, an increase of 65% from the year before.

We're thrilled to recognize Farm Credit of the Virginias and Radio IQ/WVTF Public Radio for their continued generosity and unwavering support of our Milk for Good program. Farm Credit of the Virginias will match WVTF listeners’ contributions to the Milk for Good program up to $5,000, which will double the number of servings of milk that Virginia food banks will receive. Thank you, Farm Credit and RadioIQ, for your incredible dedication to both agriculture and the communities you serve! #FarmCredit #MilkForGood #CommunitySupport #FoodInsecurity #VirginiaFoodBanks #WVTF #RadioIQ #DairyFarmers #GiveBack #VirginiaAgriculture https://lnkd.in/eVxTib-4

We joined Capital Area Food Bank to celebrate the official opening of the Bedford Falls Foundation Northern Virginia Distribution Center. With nearly four times the space, the food bank can store and receive more food, move perishable groceries more efficiently, and host volunteers on-site. The new facility comes at a critical time, as hunger is on the rise in northern Virginia. To learn more about what hunger looks like in northern Virginia, read Capital Area's new edition of The Hunger Report. https://lnkd.in/eced7uXE . #capitalareafoodbank #foodinsecurity #morefood