Chew On This
188,227 miles.
That’s how far Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s seven full-time drivers, and four backup drivers, traveled last year, delivering food throughout our service area and helping ensure our neighbors have access to the meals they need.
To put that distance into perspective, it’s enough to circle the Earth more than seven and a half times.
Every morning, our drivers are among the first people on the road as they navigate busy highways, rural back roads, loading docks, and warehouse schedules to deliver food to more than 300 partner pantries, soup kitchens, mobile distribution sites, shelters, schools, and community organizations across our service area.
These drivers are the backbone of our work, and the execution of our mission.
Those 188,227 miles translate into countless deliveries of fresh produce, dairy products, pantry staples, and other nutritious foods. They also reflect thousands of interactions with partner agencies and, ultimately, support for families, seniors, children, and individuals facing hunger throughout our region.
As we celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, from September 13-19, we want to recognize the dedicated professionals who make our work possible. Here we are spotlighting a few of these pros.
Meet Marcus, Western Region driver
Marcus Hayworth has been with the Food Bank since 2021. As a truck driver, he’s been delivering food, and hope, to many local communities.
“I belong to the best company ever,” he said about the Food Bank. “I truly believe in what it says on the side of my truck,” referring to the motto that is proudly displayed on all Food Bank trucks: everyone should have enough to eat.
Marcus said he enjoys serving the community every day.
“I appreciate it so much, this work is truly fulfilling and that is what makes it awesome.”
Meet Doug, Mobile Food Pantry driver
For more than six years, Mobile Food Pantry driver Doug Galloway has been the steady presence behind one of the Food Bank’s most visible programs. Leaving the warehouse before the sun is up, Doug arrives at distributions ready to serve, building lasting relationships with volunteers and guests across our service area. Through rain, heat, and cold, his commitment has never wavered. In fact, he has missed only two distributions in six years. Doug’s dedication helps ensure every guest receives quality food in a welcoming, safe environment, making him an indispensable part of the Mobile Food Pantry program’s success.
“I enjoy helping the volunteers and the people we’re helping in the communities. It’s gratifying being part of a good group of people doing good,” Doug said.
Meet James, Northern Region driver
James Siver has been with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank for over 17 years, helping our partners and our neighbors with access to nutritious food.
“I can honestly say I’m proud to be part of an organization that makes a real difference in people’s lives,” James said. “I enjoy being a driver because every day brings something different, and I know the work I’m doing helps get food to families and individuals who need it.”
Reflecting on nearly two decades behind the wheel, James said the relationships and experiences he has gained along the way have been just as meaningful as the work itself.
“I’m grateful for the people I’ve met, the places I’ve been, and the opportunity to serve my community. After 17 years, I still take pride in showing up, getting the job done, and knowing that what I do matters.”
Did you know?
To add some additional context to the combined distance our drivers traveled from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, consider the following. Those 188,227 miles are roughly equal to:
-438 times the width of Virginia
-67 times the width of the United States
-28 times the width of the Atlantic Ocean
-15 trips between the North and South poles
-80% of the distance between Earth and the Moon
‘The backbone of the Food Bank’s distribution network’
Dave Kraft, the Food Bank’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), oversees the pool of drivers, and feels privileged to work with such a wonderful group of dedicated professionals.
“Our seven full-time drivers, supported by four backup drivers across our branches, are truly the backbone of Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s distribution network,” he said.
“Each one of them shares a passion for outstanding customer service and works hard to place the needs of our partner agencies and guests first. Their professionalism, strong work ethic and commitment ensure that food safely and reliably reaches our neighbors facing hunger throughout our service area.”
I greatly appreciate the professionalism and care for our neighbors that are demonstrated by our drivers. I feel so proud when I see our trucks out and about, bringing food and hope.
A well-deserved ‘Thank you!’
Whether delivering to a rural pantry tucked into the mountains or a busy community partner serving hundreds of families, our drivers show up every day with professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to service.
This National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, please join us in thanking the drivers who help keep food moving and hope rolling across our network.
