Chew On This
For many of us, the holiday season conjures up images of family gatherings, joy, and celebration, often with an abundance of food. However, for many of our neighbors experiencing hunger, that is simply not the case.
In the Blue Ridge, one in 10 people is living with food insecurity, meaning they lack enough food for an active, healthy life. It also means they may experience a very different holiday season.
The past year saw a record-breaking demand for services at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, with an average of 148,200 people accessing our charitable food network each month. This surge in guest visits can be attributed to high inflation and rising living costs, as well as other economic challenges.
More people than ever might need help affording necessities during the upcoming holiday season.
“When we come together to address hunger, it demonstrates we live in a community that cares deeply about the well-being of all its members.”
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:
- Donate to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Your financial contribution enables us to purchase nutritious food, like fresh produce and other essential staples. By working with our network of partners, we help ensure that all our neighbors have the nourishment they need to thrive.
- Volunteer your time. Whether you help sort food donations, pack food boxes, or assist with food distribution, your efforts make a significant impact. By giving your time and energy, you contribute to our mission of improving food security and helping create a more compassionate community.
- Organize a food or fund drive. It’s a simple, yet effective way to collect donations and support the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to contribute non-perishable food items, and consider partnering with local businesses or organizations to expand your reach. By collecting and donating food, you can help alleviate the strain on food banks and ensure that individuals have access to essential supplies during the holiday season.
“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 well. For a while, I lived on one potato per day. But you do it because you want to make sure your kids have enough to eat.”
-Danielle, Food Pantry Guest
This network is helping local families
On a recent sunny Wednesday morning, we met Danielle at the Central United Methodist Church Food Pantry in downtown Staunton. She was there with her three daughters, Eva (1), Ava (2), and Ema (3). The girls have never missed a meal and will perhaps never know how dire the food situation for the family of five once was.
“Not so long ago, we had to sell our couch to get money for groceries,” Danielle said. “And when that money ran out, we sold the kitchen table as well. For a while, I lived on one potato per day. But you do it because you want to make sure your kids have enough to eat.”
When Danielle found Central United Methodist Food Pantry in Staunton, things changed for the better.
“Coming here didn’t just change things for us. It has completely changed our lives. And that is not an understatement. Our lives have completely changed.”
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