Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
One of the stories that I have been working on from 2012 and have finally completed was when I was invited to attend a presentation at “Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore” (“Foodbank SE”) along with community leaders, Virginia Beach City Council members Glenn Davis and Rosemary Wilson, as well as Virginia Beach School Board member (then a candidate) Leonard Tengco.
It was both inspiring and a sobering reality of times to take a tour of the facility in Norfolk which serves as a hub for almost 400 organizations in the support of hunger as one could witness the efficiency and commitment of this entity as well as their awe-inspiring service to thousands in Hampton Roads.
Foodbank SE is part of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks (state partner association of Feeding America). There are 7 regional Virginia and Washington DC food banks, of which 14 facilities are situated strategically (Foodbank SE 2012 Regional Guide to Hunger).
The Foodbank SE distribution center is largely stocked by food drives, purchases and donations from manufacturers and supermarkets. (Foodbank SE 2012 Regional Guide to Hunger)
The non-profit provides a plethora of programs such as “Backpack program”, “Kids Café”, “Mobile Pantry Program” among others and also has many volunteering opportunities.
As one of the panelists, a former patron, said, “The face of hunger has changed so much. It’s not just homeless, far from it actually,..... most of the recipients are working people who pay their bills and at the end of the day have limited funds for food. I would encourage people to think about an extra canned good every time you shop and donate. It really matters.”
Foodbank SE feeds one in four people in Hampton Roads. (Foodbank SE 2012 Regional Guide to Hunger)
For more information, donations, volunteering, etc., go to foodbankonline.org.
Special thanks to (“Auntie”) Nora Dorsey and Foodbank SE VA for the invite and access to support rhis article.
Comments