Building collective power
within our network to create a hunger-free region.
Click the listing below
for more information about Food Banks in your area: |
       
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When food banks get together, people get to eat.
The Federation of Virginia Food Banks is a state association of food banks affiliated with America's Second Harvest—The Nation’s Food Bank Network and is one of the largest hunger relief networks in the State. The Federation is composed of the 7 regional Virginia and Washington DC food banks, consisting of facilities in 14 strategic locations. The Federation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation created to support the food banks in providing food, funding, education, advocacy, and awareness services and programs throughout the Commonwealth.
Our goals are many. And so are our challenges.
The primary mission of the food banks is to feed hungry Virginians, and in fiscal year 2005 distributed over 70 million pounds of products to over 658,200 individuals through its 2,800 member agencies that directly serve those in need. These agencies operate programs such as soup kitchens, after school programs, senior centers and elderly feeding programs, Kids Cafe® Program, Head Start, transitional housing, mental health programs, homeless and domestic violence shelters, and individual household distribution. Many of our partner organizations are familiar in the community: Boys & Girls Clubs, the Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities. In addition, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks handles the coordination and distribution of food and supplies to victims of disasters and emergencies both locally and nationally. In 2003, The Federation network provided almost 2 million pounds of food to affected areas of the State in a three-week period as a result of Hurricane Isabel.
Virginia food bank clientele - it's not who you think.
 In the most recent “Hunger in America 2006” study by America’s Second Harvest—The Nation’s Food Bank Network, the Commonwealth of Virginia Food Bank clientele served include: 32% children (8% are children 0 – 5 years old), 15% elderly, 36% households with at least one employed adult and only 8% are homeless.
Even more staggering is the report that 68% of those we serve live below the official federal poverty level. Every day families join the ranks of the working poor; these are individuals who can't make ends meet or who find themselves forced to make appalling choices after suffering devastating personal or financial crises beyond their control.
Please join the effort to help us ensure that Virginia's hungry get fed. |
