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.
Food Is Medicine: How Food Banking Is Transforming to Transform Lives
For Cletus (pictured above), a retired senior living with food insecurity and diabetes, food is medicine. To manage his disease, he needs to follow a healthy diet. But he cannot afford to stock up on costly fruits and vegetables at the grocery store. Cletus is one of more than [...]
Nourishing Virginia Together: The Healthy Pantry Initiative Takes Off
Written by Kara Snapp, MPH, Manager of Health Initiatives “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 [...]
Honoring a Visionary and Forward-thinking CEO
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, [...]
Busting Myths: The Top 6 Misconceptions About SNAP Benefits
Written By: Richard Alblas, Marketing and Communications Manager Have you ever considered applying for SNAP benefits but hesitated because of rumors or uncertainty? You're not alone. Many misconceptions swirl around the program, preventing people who could truly benefit from accessing this valuable resource. And they prevent taxpayers and policymakers [...]
The Food Bank and Its Partner Network Are Rising to the Challenge, Amidst ‘Startling Demand for Food’
The following summarizes material presented in a virtual CEO Forum on April 10, 2024. You can watch the recording here. By Michael McKee, CEO 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 [...]
How a Strong, Sustainable Organization Makes the ‘Impossible,’ Possible
Written By: Sandy Werner, Director of Marketing & Communications 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: [...]