The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and its network of more than 300 partner pantries and program sites have distributed more than 27 million meals over the past year.
That’s 33 million pounds of food, going to serve an average of 178,700 guest visits each month.
The Food Bank is calling on the community to help advance its mission.
“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.
Last year, guest visits at the Food Bank and its partner pantries were up 4 percent over 2024. This is the highest monthly average in the Food Bank’s 45-year history.
Over the past four years, monthly guest visits have increased 40 percent.
“Hunger touches children, families, seniors, and working people in every zip code in Virginia and across the country. No one person can solve hunger alone, but together, we can change the system so that everyone has enough to eat,” Diener said.
September is Hunger Action Month, and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is joining the Feeding America network in a national campaign to raise awareness and inspire action to end hunger in America.
Here’s how you can help:
- Donate: Just $1 can provide more than three meals for neighbors living with hunger.
- Volunteer: Be part of the team that helps 178,700 people every month.
- Advocate: Speak up for strong hunger-relief policies, like a two-year SNAP cost-shift delay to states and the next Farm Bill.
- Raise awareness: Share the Food Bank’s posts on Facebook and Instagram, wear orange on Sept. 29, and start conversations about hunger.
“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.”
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Chris Graham
