Chew On This
Thoughtful reflections on the work to solve hunger in central and western Virginia, and insights into the experiences of our neighbors in need, from Food Bank staff and guest contributors.
In a SNAP the Money is Gone: Pandemic-era emergency SNAP benefits ended Feb. 16
Written By: Les Sinclair, Communications & PR Manager Why is the loss of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotments getting so much attention lately? There are two storylines. One is about how the elimination will impact the Virginia economy. The other is how it will affect the [...]
Of Chance and Choices (Impossible Ones!): What We Learned During a One-Hour Poverty Simulation
Written By: Sandy Werner (Director of Marketing & Communications) & Les Sinclair (Communications & PR Manager) As Food Bank staffers, we learn a lot from talking with our guests, pantry leaders, and colleagues. We understand chance plays a big part in who enters, stays in, and emerges from poverty. [...]
When Service to Country Isn’t Enough: Painting a Picture of Food Insecurity Among Local Veterans
Written By: Les Sinclair, Communications & PR Manager Veterans Day is a time to thank our veterans for their service, recognize their roles in our national security, and underscore their sacrifice. It is odd to think that anyone who has risked life and limb for national security doesn’t have [...]
Stronger Together: The Food Bank + You = Impact
[The following is a summary of material presented in a virtual CEO Forum event on September 1, 2022. You can watch the recording here.] By Michael McKee, CEO At the Food Bank, we often say “food is medicine.” We believe that brighter tomorrows begin with good food today, which [...]
A “Culture of Collaboration”: Dinner Together in Front Royal
Written By: Jacob Matz, Partner Engagement Manager, Lord Fairfax Region At the Food Bank, we often say solving hunger is a community-wide effort and that we are better together. In my role, I see countless examples of the passion and drive that our network partners demonstrate every day to [...]
“It’s a Win-Win-Win:” Collaboration and Innovation Key to Advancing Health Equity
Written By: Maria Bowman, MPH, Director of Health Initiatives The first Nutrition Security and Health Summit was held in Richmond in April. Organized by the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, it was a truly incredible gathering of food bank staff, healthcare partners, funders, and community leaders. We were all [...]