Category: Chew On This

School Breakfast Program Take the federal School Breakfast Program as a prime example. It was the Black Panther Party who, in the late 1960s, recognized the devastating impact of child hunger on Black communities. Ericka Huggins, a former leader of the Black Panther Party, played a key role in implementing the Free Breakfast for Children … Continued

Here’s what you can do As the holidays approach, there are many ways you can make a difference for families living with food insecurity. Here are three ideas: “Not so long ago, we had to sell our couch to get money for groceries. And when that money ran out, we sold the kitchen table as … Continued

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

Meet Tyleeq Tyleeq, AJ, and their other brother Drealyn are young members of the Boys and Girls Club in Waynesboro, a partner of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. They receive nutritious after school snacks and summer meals through the program. “Eating food at the Boys and Girls Club is great,” Tyleeq said. “It means when I … Continued