Are you or someone you know in need of food assistance in Virginia? The state is home to several food banks dedicated to helping residents combat hunger and food insecurity. Major food banks like Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Capital Area Food Bank, and Feed More, Inc., among others, offer vital resources to ensure no Virginian goes hungry. Explore this guide to find the nearest food bank and learn how these organizations support the community through various programs and partnerships.
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is dedicated to providing nourishing food to those in need through community partnerships. They serve multiple counties across Virginia, ensuring access to food for thousands of individuals and families facing food insecurity.
- Location: 96 Laurel Hill Road, Verona, VA 24482
- Service Counties: Albemarle, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Buckingham, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Frederick, Greene, Highland, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Page, Rappahannock, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Warren, and more
- Contact Number: (540) 248-3663
- Website: brafb.org
Capital Area Food Bank
Capital Area Food Bank plays a critical role in hunger relief by providing over 50 million meals annually. They collaborate with 400 nonprofit partners to address immediate food needs and promote long-term solutions through nutrition education and advocacy.
- Location: 4900 Puerto Rico Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20017
- Service Counties: Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, and cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, and Manassas
- Contact Number: (202) 644-9800
- Website: capitalareafoodbank.org
Feed More, Inc.
Feed More, Inc. focuses on Central Virginia, offering comprehensive hunger relief through food distribution, nutrition education, and community partnerships. Their efforts reach various counties, ensuring those in need receive the support and sustenance required for a healthy life.
- Location: 1415 Rhoadmiller Street, Richmond, VA 23220
- Service Counties: Amelia, Brunswick, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, King William, King and Queen, Louisa, New Kent, Powhatan, Prince George, Sussex, and more
- Contact Number: (804) 521-2500
- Website: feedmore.org
Feeding Southwest Virginia
Feeding Southwest Virginia has been combating hunger since 1981, serving numerous counties through food distribution and community partnerships. They focus on delivering essential food supplies and addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity in the region.
- Location: 1025 Electric Road, Salem, VA 24153
- Service Counties: Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and more
- Contact Number: (540) 342-3011
- Website: feedingswva.org
Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank
Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank supports communities by distributing food to those in need. Serving several counties, they provide critical resources to alleviate hunger and improve the quality of life for individuals and families facing food insecurity.
- Location: 3631 Lee Hill Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408
- Service Counties: Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and the City of Fredericksburg
- Contact Number: (540) 371-7666
- Website: fredfood.org
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore
Since 1981, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has been a vital resource, distributing over 380 million meals. They work with partner agencies and direct distribution programs to ensure food security across their service area.
- Location: 800 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, VA 23504
- Service Counties: Accomack, Isle of Wight, Northampton, Southampton, and cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach
- Contact Number: (757) 627-6599
- Website: foodbankonline.org
Virginia Peninsula Foodbank
Virginia Peninsula Foodbank serves over 61,000 people in the greater Peninsula area, partnering with over 140 agencies. They focus on distributing nutritious food and offering programs to combat hunger and promote self-reliance.
- Location: 2401 Aluminum Avenue, Hampton, VA 23661
- Service Counties: Gloucester, James City, Mathews, Surry, York, and cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg
- Contact Number: (757) 596-7188
- Website: hrfoodbank.org
How Virginia Food Banks Operate
Virginia food banks function through a network of partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. These food banks collect donations from individuals, businesses, and government programs, storing and distributing food to communities in need. They also run various programs like mobile pantries, nutrition education, and child hunger initiatives to address food insecurity comprehensively.
How to Donate to Food Banks in Virginia
- Monetary Donations: Visit the food bank’s website and use the online donation portal.
- Food Donations: Drop off non-perishable food items at designated collection points.
- Fundraising: Organize or participate in community fundraisers or food drives.
- Volunteering: Offer your time to help sort, pack, and distribute food.
- Corporate Partnerships: Businesses can provide sponsorships, donations, or employee volunteer programs.
Importance of Virginia Food Banks
Food banks in Virginia play a critical role in combating hunger and food insecurity. They provide essential nutrition to individuals and families in need, support healthy communities through education and outreach, and act as a safety net during emergencies or economic downturns. By ensuring access to nutritious food, these organizations help improve overall well-being and foster a more resilient society.