RICHMOND—As sticker shock forces some families to opt for cheaper grocery alternatives, ongoing inflation makes it harder for others to consistently ensure a nutritious meal will be on the table.

Consider how many Virginians may be food insecure as National Food Bank Day is observed Sept. 1.

In 2021, Virginia’s food insecurity rate stood at 8.1%, according to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. This means over 704,000 people, including 164,000 children, were unsure where their next meal would come from on any given day.

“In 2023, we are expecting more Virginians to experience food insecurity as pandemic-era programs end and inflation continues to remain high,” said Eddie Oliver, FVFB executive director. “Our member food banks are prepared to meet the needs of our neighbors as lines at food pantries grow longer.”

The federation helps seven regional food banks build partnerships, secure resources and raise awareness of food insecurity throughout Virginia.

On the fourth Wednesday of each month, about 100 neighbors line up at The Meadow Event Park’s Gate 6 and pop their trunks. Volunteers from the federation’s member food bank, Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank mobile pantry, load cars with food items.

FredFood helps improve nutrition security for over 31,000 people through its network of 152 community partners operating more than 260 food assistance programs. The Meadow, located in Caroline County and owned by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, is part of that service area.

“We are happy to share our acreage at The Meadow to help support this mission,” said Marlene Jolliffe, vice president of park operations. “Their mobile pantry program brings items to remote and under-served areas of rural Virginia where many food-insecure families have limited access to healthy food.”

In June, cohorts from The Salvation Army’s Fredericksburg Corps distributed fresh produce bundled with FredFood’s pantry items, purchased through a partnership with Little Green Farm in Spotsylvania County.

Providing fresh produce is a major component to fighting food insecurity in Virginia, Oliver added.

Farms to Food Banks is the federation’s collaborative initiative to increase the amount of food sourced from local farmers and processors. On the Northern Neck, Healthy Harvest Food Bank’s new aquaponics production facility will supply up to 140,000 pounds of protein and produce to food banks and schools year-round.

Milk is one of the most requested yet least donated items at Virginia’s food banks, so the Milk For Good campaign collects contributions to purchase fresh milk. On average, a $12 donation will provide five half-gallons of milk.

At the local level, neighbors can help neighbors by purchasing extra food for donation to food banks. The most needed food bank pantry items include:

• Peanut butter
• Canned soup or stew
• Canned fruit, vegetables and proteins
• Beans
• Whole-grain pasta
• Brown rice

Learn more about Virginia foodbanks at vafoodbanks.org.

Media: Contact Emily Woollard, Federation of Virginia Food Banks, at 804-521-2500; or Jolliffe at 804- 994-2800.