Category: Chew On This

Food banking is always evolving As CEO of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, I can attest that our organization has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, especially the past 10 years. What began as a humble effort to provide emergency food assistance 43 years ago, has grown into a much larger organization, and … Continued

Meet Jessica and Juliza Jessica (right) and her daughter Juliza (left) visit the Neighborhood Produce Market in Harrisonburg to pick up free groceries for her household. She shares, “Everything is so expensive. Getting the fruits and vegetables here makes it easier on me to provide some food for my kids.” Jessica relies on the Neighborhood Produce Market … Continued

“Improve the health of guests” is a key strategic goal of the Food Bank. Because most of our guests receive their food from food pantries (vs. program partners), it makes good sense to invest resources at the pantry level for the biggest impact on health equity and nutrition for guests. That’s why we are collaborating … Continued

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank CEO Michael McKee is the 2024 recipient of the John van Hengel Fellowship Award. That award, commonly referred to as the highest honor in food banking, recognizes a food bank executive in the Feeding America network for excellence in leadership, local impact, national influence, and entrepreneurial spirit in the area … Continued

The following summarizes material presented in a virtual CEO Forum on April 10, 2024. You can watch the recording here. On April 10, I was fortunate enough to connect with many of the Food Bank’s partners and donors to update them on the state of food banking in central and western Virginia during a virtual CEO … Continued

Any group of people can dream of something better. But not every organization can turn that dream or vision into a reality. We are confident that the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank can and will realize our dream. Our vision: nourishing food and good health—for everyone, every day. How? The Food Bank is intentionally investing … Continued

Food distribution is and always will be at the core of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s work. However, these activities alone will not end hunger in our region. Hunger is a complex issue linked closely to lack of money. So, the Food Bank has made a strategic decision to connect neighbors with resources that support their … Continued

Do you have any dietary needs or concerns? Are there specific food items that would be helpful to you? Are you satisfied with the quality and quantity of the food you receive? Are you treated with respect? Are the location and the date/time convenient? And how likely are you to recommend our services to a … Continued

With input from current guests, “missing” guests, and our partners, we have launched a new strategic direction for the Food Bank. The plan spans the next five years and brings us together to focus on important goals that build on what we already do—effectively and efficiently distribute healthy food. Our 5-year goals are to: By … Continued

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is forging ahead with its new strategic plan to eliminate disparities in access to nutritious foods, improve guests’ health, and connect guests to other resources that support food security. Developed with guests and partners, the plan’s success will rely on the input, support, and guidance of these groups and other community … Continued