Hunger Action Month
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is part of a national movement to raise awareness and take action to fight hunger in America. September is Hunger Action Month, and today marks the launch of hunger-fighting activities and hunger awareness initiatives in the community.
Throughout the month, Feeding America’s nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, including the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, is working to engage citizens to take action through the 30 Ways in 30 Days campaign. Individuals are asked to pledge their way to make a difference, and take part in the fight against hunger in America. In addition, throughout the month, there will be doable, daily “ways” to take action posted on the Hunger Action Month website thirty days, thirty featured ways along with many additional suggestions for getting involved.
Nationwide, more than 49 million Americans suffer from food insecurity. But hunger’s impact is felt by many more than the millions living with food insecurity: hunger impacts child development, health and wellness, education, workforce development – our general welfare as a nation. It is also an issue right here in our community, and at the local level, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank works to combat hunger and aid the 59,000 people seeking food assistance right here in the Central Shenandoah Valley.
Throughout September, there will be opportunities to get involved. These opportunities will range from social media initiatives to events, family activity suggestions, and ways to volunteer or support the work the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank does every day.
National sponsors of Hunger Action Month include Kraft Foods, Macy’s, The Cheesecake Factory and United Airlines.
Individuals who want to learn more, find a 30 Ways in 30 Days calendar, or take a My Way Pledge can visit the www.brafb.org.
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at freepress2@ntelos.net.
Focus | A hand up to local agencies
Augusta Health Foundation monies help agencies help those most in need
Story by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
Running a food pantry isn’t easy even when times are supposedly good. Try getting enough food in to help those who are in need when things aren’t so good.
“These organizations didn’t see a commensurate increase in donations to help them pay their bills,” said Michael McKee, the vice president of planning and development at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, which with the aid of the Augusta Health Foundation set up a program to help food pantries and soup kitchens in the Greater Augusta area purchase needed foodstuffs. Read more
Panera partners with Food Bank
Panera Bread bakery-cafes will partner with Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network to help put food on tables for Food Bank recipients throughout the state when they host their first “Panera’s Pantry” food drive campaign through Nov. 23.
Patrons can bring nonperishable canned food items to any Panera Bread location in the Blue Ridge Bread franchise, including cafes in Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Winchester, Warrenton, as well as the café in Ranson, W.Va., where it will be stored for their local Food Bank and donated to families in need. Read more
Food Bank announces Hunger Action Month
The Shenandoah Valley branch of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network, in conjunction with Feeding America, announces the second annual Hunger Action Month, a nationwide call-to-action effort to mobilize people everywhere to get involved with ending hunger in America this September. Read more
Video | Martin’s gives a hand to the Food Bank
Martin’s Foods donated more than 400 hams to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network on Friday, March 27, 2009, as part of a mass donation of 10,000 hams to food banks in a four-state area. AFP editor Chris Graham highlights the food need that exists in our area. Length: 1:02. Read more
White steps down as CEO at Food Bank Network
A curious move, this one. Marty White is stepping down as CEO of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network and will assume the duties of chief operating officer of the Verona-based food bank. White is staying on as interim CEO while the food bank’s board of directors conducts a search for a new CEO. Read more
Kolbe named chief development officer at Food Bank
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network has named Peter Kolbe its chief development officer.
Kolbe’s task as chief development officer will be to continue the development of funding sources for the Verona-based Food Bank Network, which serves a 12,000-square-mile area. Read more
