Press Release: 6/17/2010
AARP and Ruritan Will Collect Food Donations on Sept. 11
Food banks struggle to keep up with growing demand in Virginia

The regulars know to show up early. Michelle Jordan and her sister, Deborah Lewis, arrive at the church food pantry shortly after 6 a.m., four hours before the bags of free groceries are handed out.

Jordan, 63, and Lewis, 61, of Alexandria, go to the front of the line—only because Jordan’s husband, Terry, spent the night on the sidewalk to hold their place.

This is what it’s like to feel the despair of hunger in Virginia.

This year the Federation of Virginia Food Banks will distribute emergency food assistance to more than 1 million Virginians, an increase of 350,000 since 2006. Demand is rising as more people lose their jobs, said Leslie Van Horn of Norfolk, executive director of the federation, which distributed more than 70 million pounds of food last year.

“We never have enough food,” Van Horn said. Food donations, the traditional mainstay of food banks, can’t keep up. “We’ve got to purchase food more than we ever have.”

Last year, for the first time, the state gave the federation $1 million to buy food, and will do so again this year.

AARP Virginia is stepping in to help, asking its 1 million members to donate nonperishable foods on Sept. 11, the national day of community service. Food items can be delivered to local food banks or at Ruritan Club drop-off locations. Learn more at AARP’s www.createthegood.org.

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Press Release: 4/4/2010
1.7 million pounds+ of food raised for Virginia's hungry through 'Legal Food Frenzy;' breaks previous record
Winning law firm raised 6,881 pounds per person

RICHMOND - Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli announced today that Virginia's legal community joined together to raise more than 1.7 million pounds of food for Virginia’s hungry during April. The fourth annual "Legal Food Frenzy" broke previous fund raising records by bringing in 36 tons more than in 2009. The statewide competition is sponsored by the attorney general’s office and pitted 197 firms against each other.

Schettine & Nguyen from Richmond raised the most food per employee to win the "Attorney General's Cup" for the third year in a row. The law firm has 13 employees and raised almost 6,881 pounds of food per person.

According to Leslie Van Horn, executive director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, "This is beyond our expectations. Food Banks are experiencing a historic surge in demand for assistance during the recession. Law firms throughout the commonwealth heard our call. The collaboration of the attorney general's office, the Virginia Bar Association, and food banks has made a difference for those in need throughout Virginia."

"Although food is one of our most basic needs, there are still people in Virginia - in 2010 - who struggle to find enough of it to feed themselves and their families. That's why the attorney general's office has built a partnership over the years with Virginia's food banks - the organizations serving on the front lines in fighting hunger in Virginia. Food banks can't do this good work by themselves. They need money, time, and food donations. In short, they need us to pitch in and help," said Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

The contest ran April 5 through April 16 and was open to all lawyers, their staffs, and members of the legal community across Virginia.

In addition to thanking the food drive coordinators and representatives across the state, Mr. Cuccinelli thanks the Virginia Bar Association's Food Frenzy co-chairs, Chris Gill of Christian & Barton, Derek Swanson of McGuire Woods, Virginia Robinson of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and Katja Hill of LeClairRyan.

Note: Pounds of food listed above and below are counted by both food and cash donations. Cash donations are converted to the number of pounds of food they will provide.

Contributions to each regional food bank in Virginia:

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (Charlottesville area): 27,887

Capital Area Food Bank (Northern Virginia): 305,085

Central Virginia Food Bank (based in Richmond): 878,305

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia (based in Norfolk): 433,372

Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula: 14,263

Fredericksburg Area Food Bank: 8,981

Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank: 57,436

The winners of the Fourth Annual Statewide "Legal Food Frenzy"

Attorney General's Cup Winner (largest per capita contribution):
Schettine & Nguyen, PLC (Richmond) - 6,881 pounds per person

Small (1-20) Law Firm - Total Pounds Winner
"The Brunswick Stew Award"
Jackson Lewis (Norfolk) - 25,500 pounds
Small (1-20) Law Firm - Per Capita Winner
"The Shenandoah Apple Award"
Jackson Lewis (Norfolk) - 4,250 pounds per person

Medium (21-100) Law Firm - Total Pounds Winner
"The James River Shad Award"
Christian and Barton, LLP (Richmond) - 64,319 pounds
Medium (21-100) Law Firm - Per Capita Winner
"The Hanover Tomato Award"
McKenry, Dancigers, Dawson & Lake (Virginia Beach) - 1,284 pounds per person

Large (101 and up) Law Firm - Total Pounds Winner
"The Smithfield Ham Award"
McGuireWoods LLP (all locations) - 223,551 pounds
Large (101 and up) Law Firm - Per Capita Winner
"The Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Award"
Cooley Godward Kronish LLP (Reston) - 678 pounds per person

Sole Proprietor (1-2) Law Firm - Total Pounds Winner
"The Virginia Peanut Award"
B Cullen Gibson (Norfolk) 12,600 pounds

Law School Winner of Attorney General's Cup Total Pounds and Per Capita:
University of Richmond School of Law (Richmond) - 96,326 pounds, 215 pounds per person

Government and Public Service - Total Pounds Winner
"The Urbanna Oyster Award"
Office of the Attorney General (Richmond) - 100,195 pounds
Government and Public Service - Per Capita Winner
"The Old Dominion Soybean Award"
Prince William County Attorney Office - 878 pounds per person

Press Release: 3/8/2010
10 Days to Bring 150,000 Meals to OUR State. Please vote today!
http://wecanendthis.com

A can of food – a symbol and a call to action. When most people think of helping the hungry, they think of donating a can of food. The simple, humble can. What a powerful symbol.

Yes, donating a can of food to a food bank is a good first step. But it cannot be your only step, if you want to help lead the systemic change that’s needed to end hunger in America.

On March 4, Tyson Foods launched WeCanEndThis.com, a yearlong initiative to shift the conversation about hunger in America and create real, tangible solutions. They started by turning a symbol into a call to action.

Thanks to the generosity of Tyson Foods, they have 10 semi-truckloads of much-needed protein to deliver to food banks across the country. And, you can help decide which 10 states will receive them.

When you promise to help end hunger, Tyson will give you a digital can of food to donate to the state of your choice. On March 18 at 5pm ET, Tyson will tally the digital cans and the Top Ten states will each win a truckload of real food.

15 days. 1.5 million meals. 10 states.

You can make an even bigger difference. For the first $25,000 donated to our charity partners, ConAgra Foods Foundation will double your impact thru a matching grant.

What are you waiting for? Tyson has ten trucks to give away. Feel free to share this link to help spread the word: http://bit.ly/chpblg

Press Release: 1/10/10
Governor-Elect Bob McDonnell Announces Inaugural Week Activities
Inaugural Theme: "A Commonwealth of Opportunity"

McDonnell to Volunteer at Food Banks and Homeless Shelter; Speak to Children at Boys and Girls Club; Meet with Military Families; Visit with Inmates

The Federation of Virginia Food Banks and The Salvation Army Named as Official Partners in Inaugural Week

RICHMOND– Governor-elect Bob McDonnell today announced his full Inaugural Week schedule and unveiled the official theme of the Inauguration during a morning press conference at the State Capitol.

Promoting his theme of "A Commonwealth of Opportunity," McDonnell will spend the eight days leading up to his Inauguration on January 16th volunteering at Food Banks in Abingdon, Richmond and Norfolk and a homeless shelter in Alexandria; meeting with military families in Hampton Roads; speaking with Boys and Girls Club members in Virginia Beach and visiting with inmates at a Richmond-area jail. The Federation of Virginia Food Banks and the Salvation Army will both be honorary partners in Inaugural Week.

Speaking about the Inaugural Week, McDonnell remarked, "These are difficult times in the Commonwealth. Virginians face high unemployment, fiscal pressures and uncertainty about their economic prospects. In these difficult times I believe it is more important than ever to highlight the daily acts of kindness and charity that Virginians are freely performing in every city and county. Virginians generously volunteer their time, talents and treasure to help each other. And their selfless actions are crucial in the effort to build ‘A Commonwealth of Opportunity’ for all our citizens. As we mark the orderly transition of power in our state government, always one of the defining moments in the life of our Commonwealth, we will also promote the positive work being done by charities and philanthropies statewide."

He continued "We have officially partnered with The Federation of Virginia Food Banks and The Salvation Army for Inaugural Week. I look forward to volunteering at Food Banks around the state. I have been a longtime advocate for the tremendous work they do for our fellow Virginians who are in need of the simple necessity of a warm meal. I strongly support the $1 million Governor Kaine has put in the budget for Food Banks. The Salvation Army works in every city and county in the Commonwealth to comfort, clothe and care for the less fortunate. It is an honor to join with them as part of Inaugural Week as well. And our work with these two great charitable organizations will be just one component of the week. I also look forward to volunteering at a shelter in Alexandria to learn about what we can do in state government to reduce the incidence of homelessness. In Hampton Roads, Maureen and I will visit with families of deployed military personnel, and help put together care packages for our brave Americans serving overseas. I will join NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith in Virginia Beach to speak to area children at a Boys and Girls Club about making good choices today to ensure the best possible tomorrows. And, outside Richmond, I will make a visit to a local jail to discuss successful programs that can help prisoners turn their lives around, and highlight our efforts to prove prisoner re-entry programs."

The Governor-elect concluded by commenting on the theme of the Inaugural, "I believe Virginia's future will depend on the presence of a constant of our past: Opportunity. It is opportunity, both the creation of and the desire for, which has made our Commonwealth what it is today. Now, in these challenging times, it is our shared obligation to put in place the opportunities for all Virginians to achieve their dreams and live productive and positive lives. That is the key to our future prosperity. It will be the basis for every action my Administration takes. We will create new jobs and more opportunities in every region of the state. We will create ‘A Commonwealth of Opportunity’ for all Virginians."

As part of the partnership with The Federation of Virginia Food Banks, the Governor-elect is encouraging all attendees of the Inaugural Balls to bring non-perishable food items. The Inaugural Parade will feature receptacles along the route for those goods as well. A statewide coat drive will benefit The Salvation Army. Coat bins will be in place at a number of Inaugural Week events and locations, and also along the Inaugural Parade route.

A full schedule of public Inaugural Week events is below. Information can also be found at www.McDonnellInaugural.com.

The Inauguration Ceremony will take place at the State Capitol in Richmond at noon on Saturday January 16th. The public is invited to attend both the formal ceremony as well as the Inaugural Parade which will take place immediately following. In addition, the Inaugural Committee announced today that the Ceremony will be streamed live at www.McDonnellInaugural.com.

Schedule of Public Events

Friday, January 8, 2010

2:30pm
Governor-elect Bob McDonnell Volunteers at the Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank
21452 Gravel Lake Road
Abingdon

6:00pm
Southwest Inaugural Ball
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
One Partnership Circle
Abingdon

Saturday, January 9, 2010

4:00pm
Northern Virginia Inaugural Concert
Clarendon Ballroom
3185 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington

Sunday, January 10, 2010

6:30pm
Hampton Roads Inaugural Ball
Chrysler Museum of Art
245 West Olney Road, Norfolk

Monday, January 11, 2010

10:00am
Governor-elect McDonnell Visits with Military Families
Brashear Conference Center
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story
1432 Hewitt Drive, Norfolk

11:30am
Governor-elect McDonnell Visits USO of Hampton Roads
USO of Hampton Roads – Little Creek Division
1604 Amphibious Drive, Norfolk

1:00pm
Governor-elect Bob McDonnell Volunteers at the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia
800 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk

4:00pm
Governor-elect McDonnell and Bruce Smith, NFL Hall of Famer and Former Virginia Tech All-American, Hold Youth Outreach Event
Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Virginia
1505 Competitor Ct., Virginia Beach

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

2:30pm
Governor-elect Bob McDonnell Volunteers at the Central Virginia Food Bank with General Assembly Leaders and Legislative Spouses
1415 Rhoadmiller St. , Richmond

Thursday, January 14, 2010

10:00am
Governor-elect Bob McDonnell Volunteers at the Carpenter’s Homeless Shelter
802 N. Henry St. , Alexandria

2:00pm
Governor-elect McDonnell Visits Henrico Jail East & Holds Roundtable on Successful Prison Programs
Goochland/Powhatan Correctional Facility
7320 New Kent Highway , Barhamsville

Friday, January 15, 2010

2:00pm
Governor-elect Bob McDonnell, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli Visit St. John’s Episcopal Church for a Historical Reenactment of Patrick Henry's Famous "Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death" Speech
2401 East Broad St., Richmond
**Additional logistics regarding this event will be released on Thursday, January 14, 2010

Saturday, January 16, 2010

8:00am
Inaugural Prayer Breakfast
Richmond Marriott Hotel
500 East Broad Street , Richmond

12:00pm Swearing-In Ceremony of Governor-elect Bob McDonnell as the 71st Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Along with Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli
State Capitol
South Portico, Richmond
**Press logistics for this event will be released in a separate media advisory later today

1:15pm
Inaugural Parade
State Capitol, Richmond
*The parade will begin from the South Portico Reviewing Stand; the route has been extended this year to be more accommodating to families

8:00pm
Inaugural Ball
Greater Richmond Convention Center
403 North 3rd St. , Richmond

Sunday, January 17, 2010

12:00pm
The First Lady’s Luncheon
Richmond Omni Hotel
100 South 12th Street, Richmond

Press Release: 12/22/2009
The public is invited to Bob McDonnell's Jan. 16 inauguration as Virginia's 71st governor.

In addition to celebrating the election of Governor-elect McDonnell, the Inaugural events are also a way to help others in need.

Therefore, Governor-elect McDonnell requests that you please bring canned goods and/or other non-perishable items to each Inaugural event you attend to raise food for Virginia's food banks.

Click here to learn more about how you can participate in this celebration of Virginia, and how you can join the Governor-elect in making this "A Commonwealth of Opportunity."

Press Release: 07/30/2009
Governmor Kaine Ceremonially Presents $1 Million to Virginia Federation of Food Banks

Funds providing more than 1.5 millions pounds of food to those in need

FREDERICKSBURG — Governor Timothy M. Kaine today presented a ceremonial check for $1 million to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. Using the funds, the Federation has managed to purchase more than 1.5 million pounds of food from suppliers in Virginia—surpassing its original estimate that $1 million would buy an additional 671,000 pounds of food. As a direct result of the funding, a truck load of food is being delivered to the seven food banks that comprise the Federation every two weeks through the end of September. Governor Kaine recommended the money as an amendment to the 2009 state budget to address the basic needs of Virginians during hard economic times.

“These difficult times require the government to step up and help our most vulnerable citizens, and one proven way to do that is to contribute to the food banks,” Governor Kaine said. “I amended the budget this year to add this money knowing that the national economic crisis would increase the burden on the food banks, and I applaud the state legislature for agreeing to provide these funds.”

The Governor presented the check at the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank as part of this Cabinet Community Day visit to the area. Governor Kaine and members of his Cabinet and senior staff also participated in the Food Bank's Food for Life program as part of President Obama's call for a summer of community service through his United We Serve initiative.

“We are seeing anywhere from a 20% to 40% increase in number of food insecure individuals in the Commonwealth of Virginia so the $1 million will most definitely impact communities throughout the state,” said Leslie Van Horn, executive director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. “We are honored that Governor Kaine, Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marilyn Tavenner and our state legislators saw the need and stepped forward with critical funding for our seven food banks.”

The seven regional food bank members are: Central Virginia Foodbank in Richmond, Fredericksburg Area Food Bank, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula in Newport News, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia in Norfolk, Capital Area Food Bank in Lorton and Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest in Salem. The food banks have facilities in Lorton, Fredericksburg, Newport News, Richmond, Norfolk, Tasley, Verona, Lynchburg, Winchester, Charlottesville, Roanoke, Abingdon, Covington and Washington, DC.

In fiscal year 2008, the Food Banks distributed more than 70 million pounds of products to more than 658,200 individuals through more than 2,800 member agencies that directly serve people 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.

Federation of Virginia Food Banks Check Presentation - July 29, 2009

Press Release: 05/04/09
Third Annual Legal Food Frenzy Breaks Records; Raises More Than 1.6 Million Pounds Of Food For The Hungry

The recently-completed "Legal Food Frenzy" broke previous records, raising the equivalent of more than 1.6 million pounds of food for the hungry. The third annual statewide competition pitted law firms against each other to help the hungry, and beat its goal of 1.5 million pounds.

The law firm that raised the most food per capita – thus winning "The Attorney General's Cup" -- was Schettine & Nguyen from Richmond for the second year in a row. The law firm has 12 employees and raised almost 8,141 pounds of food per capita. Attorney General Bill Mims relayed the news to the firm in a phone call this afternoon.

Virginia's statewide food-and-funds drive by lawyers has become so popular that other states are copying it. Attorney General Mims will make a presentation in June to the National Association of Attorneys General to lay the groundwork for a nationwide effort.

According to Leslie Van Horn, executive director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, "This is beyond our expectations. Food Banks are experiencing an historic surge in demand for assistance. Law firms throughout the Commonwealth heard our call. The collaboration of the Attorney General's Office, Virginia Bar Association and food banks truly has made a difference for those in need throughout Virginia."

Founded by former Attorney General Bob McDonnell, the benevolent contest runs during a traditionally slow period for food bank donations. The "Legal Food Frenzy" is the first statewide food drive in the history of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. The contest ran March 30 through April 10 and was open to all lawyers and members of the legal community across Virginia. Two hundred sixteen law firms participated, up from 181 last year.

In the first year of the statewide "Legal Food Frenzy," nearly 679,000 pounds of food were raised. That amount doubled in 2008, when more than 1.3 million pounds of food were donated.

"Our third annual ‘Legal Food Frenzy' brought out the best in the legal community, as we competed together to raise food for the hungry," Virginia Attorney General Bill Mims said. "It has been an honor to travel across the Commonwealth and see the Bar Association and the Food Banks serving Virginians in these dire economic times. I was gratified by the outpouring of generosity."

According to Chris Gill of the Virginia Bar Association and Christian & Barton law firm in Richmond, "The fact that this year's Legal Food Frenzy raised more food and funds than ever before, in a down economy, shows that even though times are tight, people recognize that there are many for whom times are much worse."

In addition to thanking the work of the food drive coordinators and representatives across the state, the Attorney General specifically wishes to thank the Virginia Bar Association's co-chairs Gill, Derek Swanson of McGuire Woods, and Katja Hill of LeClairRyan.

Totals for each regional Food Bank in Virginia are as follows:

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (Charlottesville area): 63,807.20

Capital Area Food Bank (Northern Va): 279,775.64

Central Virginia Food Bank (based in Richmond): 836,220.96

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia (based in Norfolk): 374,821.20

Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula: 8,626.32

Fredericksburg Area Food Bank: 12,688.00

Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank: 76,792.20

Category winners of the
Third Annual Statewide
Legal Food Frenzy:

Attorney General's Cup Winner:
Schettine & Nguyen, PLC (Richmond)
8,140.93 pounds per person

Small (1-20) Law Firm:

"The Brunswick Stew Award"
Schettine & Nguyen, PLC (Richmond)
97,691.25 pounds

Small (1-20) Law Firm:
"The Shenandoah Apple Award"
Schettine & Nguyen, PLC (Richmond)
8,140.93 pounds per person

Medium (21-100) Law Firm:

"The James River Shad Award"
Christian and Barton, LLP (Richmond)
68,415.25 pounds

Medium (21-100) Law Firm
"The Hanover Tomato Award"
McKenry, Dancigers, Dawson & Lake (Virginia Beach)
1,397.88 pounds per person

Large (101 and up) Law Firm Total Pounds: "The Smithfield Ham Award"
McGuireWoods LLP
308,106.75 pounds

Large (101 and up) Law Firm Per Capita: "The Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Award"
Cooley Godward Kronish LLP (Reston)
654.82 pounds per person

Sole Proprietor (1-2) Law Firm Total Pounds: "The Virginia Peanut Award"
Law Offices of David A. Greer, PLC (Norfolk) 5,050 pounds

Law School Winner of Attorney General's Cup Total Pounds and Per Capita:
University of Richmond School of Law (Richmond) 37,583.75 pounds, 85.22 pounds per person

Press Release: 03/17/2009
Virginia Peanut Growers Association and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services partner with Federation of Virginia Food Banks

The Virginia Peanut Growers Association (VPGA) presented the Federation of Virginia Food Banks with $8,000 today to purchase jars of peanut butter for seven food banks throughout the Virginia/DC area. The funds were collected among members of the Virginia peanut industry.

The Virginia Peanut Growers Association (VPGA) kicked off a Food Bank Peanut Butter Drive at their February annual meeting with President Lewis Everett and Executive Secretary Dell Cotton making an appeal for peanut butter donations to address the expressed need of food banks for peanut butter. Growers responded immediately with a collection at the meeting of nearly $1,000 to be used toward the purchase of peanut butter for the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. More growers followed with donations in the ensuing days, and these initial contributions were supplemented with donations from others in the Virginia peanut industry, including shellers, processors, manufacturers, research and farm-related organizations and other individuals associated with Virginia’s peanut industry.

"After the past few weeks of confusing press, producers have been ready for a good, positive story," said Dell Cotton of VPGA. "Not only is this the best of causes at a critical time, but growers are leading by example in showing that it remains safe to eat peanut butter making it a perfect item to be donated to food banks due to many reasons including the nutritional benefits."

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Dell Cotton presented checks for $8,000 for Federation to purchase peanut butter for food banks across the state.

Press Release: 03/09/2009
Virginia General Assembly
Provides $1 Million For Food Banks

Money will be spent directly on major emergency food purchase

The Federation of Virginia Food Banks announces today the Virginia General Assembly's approval of a $1 million Emergency Food Purchase Program in the FY2010 budget. It is the first time in Virginia history that the General Assembly has supported funding for Virginia’s food banks.

"I’d like to sincerely thank Governor Kaine, Secretary Marilyn Tavenner and the bipartisan legislative leadership for taking this vital step in the continual fight against hunger. These are incredibly challenging times for food banks throughout the country and we are grateful that Virginia has stepped up to the plate to help the growing number of individuals who are coming to our food banks and partner agencies," said Leslie Van Horn, Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. "Our mission is far from over, and we know that 2009 will be more challenging than the previous year. This couldn’t come at a better or more significant time."

The $1 million Emergency Food Purchase Program will provide more than 671,000 additional pounds of food to needy families. The Federation is already working with food resource managers at each of Virginia's food banks and will be making the food purchases in order to leverage the best pricing possible. Food banks and their 2,800 partner agencies are experiencing daily increases in demand for assistance due to rising unemployment, higher food prices and an overall slow economy. Requests for help have steadily risen by 20 to 30 percent in the last two years. With four months to go in the fiscal year, numerous Virginia food banks have already exceeded their budgets to purchase food due to high demand.

"When we see a company shutting its doors or laying off employees, we know that many of those individuals will be coming to a food bank or partner agency in the future. The demand is growing every day," Van Horn said.

The pro bono services of McGuireWoods Consulting significantly supported the Federation in its request for funds. Recognizing the significance of this legislative and budgetary effort, McGuireWoods Consulting - the public affairs arm of McGuireWoods LLP - is providing government relations, strategic communications and lobbying services on a pro bono basis for the Federation through the end of 2009.