Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia Press Office

Press inquiries please contact Danielle Ayers at 757.314.4570 or via email at dayers@foodbankonline.org

· Text2Give to Donate $10 to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia
· Bride Shares Her Shower to Help the Foodbank
· Foodbank Feeds Hungry Children Again This Summer
· Live Nation's Brad Paisley Concert / Doma Technology Food and Fund Drive Huge Success
· Local Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger! Awards
· Winners of 2010 Legal Food Frenzy Announced
· Brad Paisley and Live Nation Respond to Call to Action Food /Water Drive
· Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. Successful in Collecting Food for the Hungry
· Community Generosity Makes Thanksgiving Better for Thousands of Hungry Families
· Canstruction Awards Ceremony Postponed
· Food Fight Tonight! Student Food Drive Kicks-Off
· Foodbank Elects new Board of Directors Officers and Members
· Dinner and a Movie to Feed the Needy
· Gov. Kaine ceremoniously presents $1 million to Federation of Virginia Food Banks
· Dave Matthews: Day of Show Food Drive
· Dave Matthews Band Helps Sing for Locals' Supper
· Foodbank Facing Empty Shelves and Skyrocketing Requests
· Cargill makes donation for emergency hunger relief
· Team Pound for Pound Challenge Concludes - 2 Foodbankers Win Top Prize!
· Local Letter Carriers Help Stamp Out Hunger With Almost 97,000 pounds
· Local Letter Carriers Team Up To Stamp Out Hunger
· Kick-Off to A Frenzy of Feeding Hungry Families in Southeastern Virginia
· Backpack Program Tackles Weekend Hunger
· Pound for Pound: Foodbank Staff Work It Out at Work
· Foodbank Staff Decides to Scale Back

>> 2008 Archive
>> 2007 Archive

Posted 08/20/10

Text2Give to Donate $10 to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia

Each text gift provides 30 meals to the hungry in our community

Hampton Roads, VA – Feeding the hungry is so easy you can do it with just one finger! The Foodbank has joined the mobile giving revolution and has launched Text2Give, the newest way for the community to support the hungry in Southeastern Virginia and on the Eastern Shore. Simply text F E E D to 85944 to donate $10 to the Foodbank. The donation will help us provide up to 30 complete, nutritious meals for the food insecure in our service area.

"Text2Give is a quick and easy way for our community to help end hunger," says Joanne E. Batson, CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. "By adding $10 to their monthly bill, an individual can help feed their struggling neighbor with 3 meals for 10 days."

A one‐time donation of $10 will be added to the mobile phone bill or deducted from the prepaid balance. Messaging & data rates may apply. All charges are billed by and payable to the mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. More information is available at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia website, www.foodbankonline.org .

Posted 07/20/10

Bride Shares Her Shower to Help the Foodbank

Virginia Beach, VA – Most bridal showers are just gifts, games and laughs, but Katie Vance Zaki of Virginia Beach wanted hers to make a difference in her local community.

Zaki’s bridal shower, thrown by Cindy Dragas and Karen Sparks, was a Just One Can event which raised 50 pounds of food for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

Each guest brought at least one can of nonperishable food to be donated to the Foodbank.

“I thought it would be wonderful. It’s such a basic concept to bring one can and it wouldn’t inconvenience anyone,” said Zaki.

Summer is an especially hard time for Foodbanks across the country, so having a Just One Can event for her local Foodbank made sense to Katie.

Just One Can is a year-round program that benefits the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. Through events in homes, businesses, schools, and the community, each guest is asked to bring Just One Can of food with up-to-date labels.

The idea was started in 2009 by Judy Snider and her son, Nick. A meeting with Marianne Smith Vargas of the Foodbank and Jeff Ringer of Ringer/rg began the Just One Can Southeastern Virginia Chapter. Snider’s friend Cindy Dragas jumped on board and the two became the Friends of the Foodbank Just One Can team. Though they are not employed by the Foodbank, they have made it their mission to spread the word about this simple and effective idea.

“This is such an easy idea and we hope it spreads around the country,” said Dragas.

For more information on Just One Can, visit http://www.foodbankonline.org/one-can/, or look for the Just One Can – Southeastern Virginia Chapter group on Facebook.

Posted 06/14/10

Foodbank Feeds Hungry Children Again This Summer

10 Kids Cafe® sites open for USDA Summer Feeding Program

Norfolk, VA – The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia is participating in the Summer Food Service Program sponsored by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) to provide 2 meals a day for children through the age of 18. All summer sites are part of the network of Kids Cafes throughout the area, and meals will be provided to all children without charge. Kids Cafe is a national program developed by Feeding America™ and is administered locally by the Foodbank. Partnering with after-school programs at community centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, the YWCA, and other youth organizations, Kids Cafe provides healthy meals and snacks to children who might otherwise go without nutritious food. The summer program is especially valuable for children who do not get lunch at school during the summer break and do not have other resources.

“The Foodbank is especially grateful for our partnership with the USDA this summer,” said Marianne Smith Vargas, Chief Development Officer of the Foodbank. “With the significant increase in those needing food assistance in our area, one of the Foodbank’s concerns is that our youth are not getting the healthy food they need to grow strong bodies and minds.”

According to USDA guidelines, acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of meal service.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write or call immediately to:

USDA
Director, Office of Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-9410
(800) 795.3272 or (202) 720.6382 (TTY)

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Meals will be provided at the sites below at the following times:

Norfolk

Oakmont CDC @ Bank Street Memorial Church, 7036 Chesapeake Boulevard
6/28 – 8/20/10 Monday – Friday, Breakfast 8:00 am & Lunch 12:00 pm

Boys & Girls Club @ Norview Middle School, 6325 Sewells Point Road
6/22 – 8/13/10 Monday – Thursday, Breakfast 8:30 am & Lunch 12:30 pm

Diggs Town Boys & Girls Club, 1401 Melon Street
6/22 – 8/20/10 Monday – Friday, Breakfast 8:30 am & Lunch 12:30 pm

Southside Boys & Girls Club, 701 Berkley Avenue Ext.
6/21 – 8/20/10 Monday-Friday, Breakfast 8:30 am & Lunch 12:30 pm

First Baptist Church Lambert’s Point, 1268 West 38th Street
8/2 – 8/6/10 Monday-Friday, Breakfast 7:30 am & Lunch 12:15 pm

Virginia Beach

Seatack Community Recreation Center, 141 South Birdneck Road
6/21 – 8/27/10 Monday – Friday, Lunch 12:00 pm & Afternoon Snack 3:00 pm

Friendship Village, 1252 Carver Avenue
6/28 – 8/27/10 Monday – Friday, Lunch 12:30 pm & Afternoon Snack 4:00 pm

Suffolk

Boys & Girls Club @ John F. Kennedy Middle School, 2325 East Washington Street
6/21 – 8/13/10 Monday – Friday, Lunch 12:00 & Afternoon Snack 3:00 pm

Franklin

Boys & Girls Club @ S.P. Morton Elementary School, 300 Morton Street
6/22 – 7/20/10 Monday – Friday, Lunch 12:00 pm & Afternoon Snack 3:00 pm

Eastern Shore

Boys & Girls Club @ Occohannock Elementary School, 4208 Seaside Road, Exmore
6/21 – 8/20/10 Monday – Friday, Breakfast 8:30 am & Lunch 12:30 pm

Posted 05/25/10

Live Nation's Brad Paisley Concert and Doma Technology Food and Fund Drive Huge Success

Almost 100,000 pounds of food through this effort can now be distributed

Norfolk, VA – The Foodbank is thrilled with the success of the food and fund drive at Virginia Beach Amphitheater's first concert of the year and the first stop on Brad Paisley's H20 tour. Nancy and Miranda Flynn of Norfolk won Gold Circle seat tickets and meet and greet passes to the concert through a contest where fans were asked to donate canned food, water, or money. Through a matching gift from DOMA Technologies, the Foodbank will collect $29,000 as a result of this event. Along with the pounds received, approximately 100,000 pounds of food can be distributed because of this event.

"The Foodbank is reeling with excitement after Friday night’s concert," says Marianne Smith Vargas, Chief Development Officer for the Foodbank. "This was a mix of wonderful community outpouring, with Brad Paisley, Live Nation, and DOMA Technologies truly making a difference to our hungry neighbors in need."

The Foodbank is proud to be the first organization benefitting from Brad Paisle's concert food drive and is honored to have helped highlight the need for food banks across the nation. Brad has initiated a partnership with food banks on every stop of his H20 tour, benefitting the local food bank in that region.

About the winners: Nancy and Miranda Flynn are a mother/daughter duo who donated 557 pounds of food to this drive. Nancy was interviewed by the media while she made several trips to and from her packed car, carrying bags of food Friday afternoon. Goodman and Company, longtime supporter of both the Foodbank and DOMA Technologies allocated their gift to the individual who brought the most food and made it possible for the Flynns to add 2,000 pounds to their total.

Posted 05/05/10

Local Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger! Awards
Virginia Beach Bayside Station Wins for the Most Pounds Per Capita

Norfolk, VA – The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia awarded a traveling trophy to Bayside Station in Virginia Beach for bringing in the most pounds per capita, through a partnership between the United Way of South Hampton Roads and the AFL-CIO. Bayside brought in 7,777 pounds and had the most poundage per capita with 150 pounds per person. In addition, the City of Chesapeake was awarded the "most-improved region" by having more than doubled their total poundage for this food drive. Finally, Great Bridge Station received a certificate for overall "most-improved total pounds collected." On Saturday, May 8, letter carriers collected 106,000 pounds of food for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and again helped Stamp Out Hunger! across America with the community's help.

"We are hoping to double our results next year," says Virginia Beach Branch President Robert Lassiter. "This is an opportunity to assist the Foodbank in helping the community, and everyone should participate."

"We instituted a trophy presentation this year to further recognize the letter carriers' dedication and hard work," says Joanne E. Batson, Chief Executive Officer of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. "It's a small token of the Foodbank’s appreciation that they bring this much-needed food in every year."

The drive this year was supported by the National Association of Letter Carriers, the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association, Campbell Soup Company, Feeding America™, Valpak, the AFL-CIO, and United Way Worldwide.

Posted 04/30/10

2010 Legal Food Frenzy Winners Annonced:

• Click here for Southeastern Virginia Area Law Firm Results

Firm Name	Employees	Per Capita	Award
B. Cullen Gibson	2	6300	1st Place Small Firm Best Overall
Jackson Lewis	6	4250	2nd Place Small Firm
Law Offices of David A. Greer, PLC	2	2512.5	3rd Place Small Firm
McKenry, Dancigers, Dawson & Lake, PC	40	1284.19	1st Place Medium Firm
Williams Mullen (Virginia Beach)	86	656.4	2nd Place Medium Firm
Williams Mullen (Norfolk)	53	644.3	3rd Place Medium Firm
Vandeventer Black, LLP	107	589.4	1st Place Large Firm
Kaufman and Canoles, PC (Norfolk)	160	314.89	2nd Place Large Firm
Willcox & Savage, P.C.	136	237.68	3rd Place Large Firm

Posted 04/30/10

Brad Paisley and Live Nation – Responds to Call to Action Food /Water Drive to Benefit the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia

Norfolk, VA – With Foodbank shelves critically low, Brad Paisley and Live Nation are stepping up to help by offering a pair of Gold Circle seat tickets and a pair of "meet and greet" passes to his May 21st concert at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater, the opening night of his H20 Tour and the Amphitheater's first show of the season. Fans are asked to donate canned food or water at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia tent at the main gates of the Virginia Beach Amphitheater between 10am and 7pm, Friday, May 21st. The person who donates the most food or water will win!

"We are so appreciative that Brad Paisley and Live Nation have worked to create this event, " says Marianne Smith Vargas, Chief Development Officer for the Foodbank. "They heard the call to action that our food supply is very low and worked to extend this opportunity to Brad Paisley fans. We feel confident that necessary food and water will be donated to help the area’s hungry."

Donations can only be made at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia tent at the main gates of the Virginia Beach Amphitheater on Friday, May 21st between 10am and 7pm for this contest. All other non-contest donations can be made at the Foodbank's office in Norfolk at 800 Tidewater Drive.

Last year, the Foodbank provided groceries for over 330,000 hungry Southeastern Virginians through a network of 325 partner agencies and programs. There are 1.2 million individuals in our 3,500 square mile service area. Of those residents, the Foodbank has helped feed 1 out of 4. The top ten items needed are peanut butter, chunky soups, canned meats, canned tuna, canned vegetables, juice, cereal, macaroni and cheese, pasta, and pasta sauces.
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Posted 04/09/10

Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. Successful in Collecting Food for the Hungry

Customers Step Up to Help Fill Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia Shelves

Norfolk, VA – Forty-one local Dollar Tree stores held a food drive to benefit the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula. The drive began on February 20 and ran until March 20. Customers purchased items within Dollar Tree locations and dropped them in labeled bins, to be picked-up by the foodbanks in that region. With 40,730 pounds collected equaling over 31,300 meals, Dollar Tree's mission to make sure this food drive packed some major weight for the community members in Hampton Roads was a huge success.

"We appreciated the opportunity to partner with the Foodbank organization to assist those in need," says Chuck Murray of Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. "I think that our store teams, through the generosity of our local customers, exceeded our expectations."

Dollar Tree came up with the idea for this food drive to feed hungry Southeastern Virginians, but it is the customers who have made it such a success. Every day, shoppers purchased items within Dollar Tree stores and chose to donate them to the two local foodbanks. These are neighbors helping neighbors by providing the groceries that so many in our community are lacking. In fact, one in four in Southeastern Virginia are not sure they will be able to access food on a regular basis, a statistic that the Foodbank is working hard to fight. Along with the work of donors like Dollar Tree, we have hope we can win the battle against hunger.

"We are so proud of Dollar Tree and the local community for making this food drive a priority," says Joanne E. Batson, CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. "As we see every day at the Foodbank, there are more individuals and families suffering from food insecurity than ever before. It’s wonderful to see such support."
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Posted 11/23/09

Community Generosity Makes Thanksgiving Better for Thousands of Hungry Families

Agencies to Pick-Up Food for Their Communities Tomorrow -
Elected Officials Take Part in Distribution

Norfolk, VA – The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia is operating a holiday distribution tomorrow, November 24, to provide food for hungry Southeastern Virginians this Thanksgiving. A third of this food was provided by last weekend’s 13th Annual 106.9 The FOX and FM99 WNOR Mayflower Marathon, which raised enough food and funds for 409,000 meals between both the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula. The rest has been gathered from food drives or other events, or had to be purchased by the Foodbank. Distribution to agencies will take place tomorrow from 7:30-11am, and from 1-3pm. Several local elected officials will be giving their time and energy by taking part in the morning distribution from 9-11am.

Foodbank staff, as well as many dedicated volunteers, will be filling the orders of up to 325 partner agencies, placing their food items in vehicles. During Tuesday’s morning distribution, elected officials such as Congressman Glenn Nye, Delegate Algie Howell, Delegate Paula Miller, and staffers from U.S. Senator Mark Warner’s office will be at the Foodbank helping to distribute food. Additional officials may also be present.

“We are so excited that we have the ability to provide so many meals,” said Marianne Smith, Chief Development Officer for the Foodbank. “Distributing this food to tens of thousands of hungry individuals so that they can have Thanksgiving meals is what we’re all about. Having elected officials take part in ensuring that hungry Southeast Virginians have food this holiday is wonderful.”

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Posted 11/12/09

Canstruction Awards Ceremony Postponed Until November 19

Norfolk, VA – The 13th Annual Hampton Roads Canstruction® Awards Ceremony to benefit the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia has been postponed from tonight until next Thursday, November 19, from 6pm-9pm at Selden Arcade in downtown Norfolk. The "canstructures," however, are on public display in Selden now through November 22. The event boasts a large food donation to the Foodbank, as we are gearing up for a busy holiday season serving the hungry in Southeastern Virginia. 

"This year, Canstruction is more important than ever before," says Marianne Smith, Chief Development Officer of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.  "As record numbers of individuals and families in our community come to the Foodbank for help, we expect our shelves to be depleted quickly.  This event comes at a pivotal time for our neighbors in need."

Farm Fresh Food and Pharmacy is the Gold Can sponsor, providing the canned food items of four sculptures, created by Hampton University, Old Dominion University, Tidewater Community College, and Ghent Middle School.  In addition, seven architectural firms have designed their own "canstructures" for the event.  Pictures of past entries, event history, and additional information are available on the Canstruction website.

» Link to Word Doc - Canstruction Awards Ceremony Postponed
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Posted 09/29/09

Food Fight Tonight!
Student Food Drive Kicks-Off Today to Raise Food for Hungry

Norfolk, VA – The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia will host area high school students tonight at 6pm as we kick-off the area's 2nd Annual Student Food Drive, sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc.  The Student Food Drive is a competitive event between 30 participating local high schools that affords them the opportunity to raise food to support the area's hungry as well as build leadership skills through community involvement.  The competition is based on pounds per capita (pounds collected divided by the number of students enrolled). 

Students will be on-hand from 6pm-8pm to receive tours of the Foodbank, eat pizza, mingle with other youth, and participate in a creative contest.  Students are invited to perform a one-minute skit that relays hunger related issues.  The winner of this creative contest will be awarded an extra 1,500 pounds, which will be added to their final poundage at the end of the 6-week competition.  Last year, students brought in enough pounds of food to provide just over 70,000 meals to hungry Southeastern Virginians.

"This food drive is all about local high school students developing leadership skills by helping those in need,” says Marianne Smith, Chief Development Officer for the Foodbank.  "These young people bring a burst of philanthropic energy when we need it the most.”

The event is being sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc., Bank of Hampton Roads, Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy, FOX43, HOT 100.5, GEICO, Classic Cookie, Victory Packaging, Walmart, Astro Entertainment, Moe's Southwest Grill, The Joe Gosman Band, Creative Impressions, Inc., Pepsi Bottling Group, Gotti's Grinders, and Shore Break Pizza.

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Posted 09/17/09

Dinner and a Movie to Feed the Needy
Hunger Action Month Continues with the Foodbank Of Southeastern Virginia

Norfolk, VA – Second-term President Sharon Goodwyn of Hunton & Williams is joined by two new Board of Directors officers and nine new members.  Elected 2009 through 2011 officers are Vice President, Kenneth Thomas of Kraft Foods Global, Inc., and Secretary/Treasurer Kathryn Abshire of KPMG, LLP.  The new directors include Marcus Calabrese, Community At Large; William Hall, Jr. of Accomack County Public Schools; Paul Kelley of TCI Incorporated; Richard Kiley of Norfolk Southern Corporation; Renay Kirby of TFC Recycling; Deloris Shambley of First Baptist Church, Lambert's Point; Tim Lockett of Sodexo at Virginia Wesleyan College; Mary E. Smith of Fulton Bank; and John Stokes, Jr. of U.S. Foodservice, Inc.  Current Board members are Rev. Clifford Barnett of Brighton Rock AME Zion Church; Scott Bayne of Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy; Christopher Graff of Medical Management Consulting Group; Diane Hill of Bank of America; Peter Huber of Willcox & Savage; Ellie Lipkin, Community At Large; Tim MacCartney of Electronic Systems, Inc.; Charles Tapp of Booz│Allen│Hamilton; and Marc Weiss of Wells Fargo Advisors.  

"We are honored to have this talented group of professionals from the community, along with some of the area's best corporations serving on our Board," said Joanne E. Batson, CEO of the Foodbank. "These leaders are working passionately with the Foodbank to battle hunger in our region, making a difference for struggling working families, their children, and senior citizens."

Foodbank Board of Directors serve three year terms of service and work on operational committees as well as overall governance issues for the Foodbank. 

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Posted 09/14/09

Dinner and a Movie to Feed the Needy
Hunger Action Month Continues with the Foodbank Of Southeastern Virginia

Norfolk, VA – In conjunction with Feeding America™, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia is gearing up for tonight's two exciting Hunger Action Month events. With Sony Pictures Animation's "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" premiering by invitation only at the Lynnhaven AMC Theatre at 7pm, and Macy's "Come Together" Campaign's World's Largest Dinner Party taking place at 6pm at 4 local Macy's retailers, the Foodbank is once again able to draw attention to hunger through some amazing corporate partnerships. Throughout September, join millions of other Americans in giving a little of yourself … money, time, voice … whatever you can … to feed the hungry in your community.

"Both Sony Pictures Animation and Macy's have been huge supporters of Hunger Action Month and the battle against domestic food insecurity," said Joanne Batson, Chief Executive Officer. "Having partners to help us spread the word about hunger is a gift that makes our jobs much easier."

"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" is based on a children's book about food raining from the sky, teaching children about waste and over consumption. The Foodbank is one of only 5 food banks in the country with a special premiere, and we've invited only the most worthy of guests – 200 of our Kids Cafe Program children. And that's not all! Kids will receive a can of spaghetti and meatballs to take home after the movie event, along with a "Cloudy" toy donated by our friends at Burger King at 1000 Tidewater Drive in Norfolk.

More than 650 full-line Macy's stores across the country, including our local Chesapeake Square, Greenbriar, Lynnhaven, and Military Circle malls, will give shoppers a taste of the "Come Together" initiative as Macy's hosts the World's Largest Dinner Party. This kick-off event will have customers join in the "first course" of the nationwide party to celebrate the launch and to educate the public about the effort. Guests are encouraged to host a dinner party for their friends and family to donate money to Feeding America and the Foodbank. Macy's will match customer donations dollar for dollar until they reach a total of 10 million meals! Customers will also be encouraged to donate a dollar when checking out at the registers.

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Posted 08/11/09

Gov. Kaine ceremoniously presents $1 million to Federation of Virginia Food Banks

(NORFOLK – August 11, 2009) --- Gov. Tim Kaine presented a ceremonial check for $1 million to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks on Thursday, July 29, 2009. Earlier this year, Gov. Kaine recommended the money as an amendment to the 2009 state budget. The Federation – with the aid of the consulting arm of McGuireWoods – lobbied for the funds to help food banks during especially hard economic times. Virginia's food banks have experienced 20 to 40 percent increases in demand over the past couple of years due to the troubled economy.

Last Thursday marked a significant milestone for the Federation and the state legislature as it was the first time food banks have received state funding.

"I have to say that it is one of the best days the Federation of Virginia Food Banks has ever had because it means that our safety net for hundreds of thousands people will get a little bigger in such a challenging economic time," said Leslie Van Horn, Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.

The Federation is making all food purchases on behalf of the state's seven food banks to leverage its buying power. All of the food is being purchased from Virginia suppliers to keep the money flowing in the Commonwealth. Each food bank will be receiving seven truck loads of food, which began arriving at the food banks in July and will continue through the end of September.

"We projected that we would be able to purchase around 671,000 pounds of food…..we are proud to report that when it is all said and done, it will be closer to 1.5 million pounds!," Van Horn said.
"Many food-insecure individuals in this state will have food on their tables tonight and for many nights to come. There are thousands of individuals out there who consist of the working poor, children and the growing population of senior citizens who I know would also like to say "thank you" for making such a difference in their lives."

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Posted 08/05/09

Dave Matthews Band: Day of Show Food Drive at Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater on August 7th Could Land You and Your Guest a Cruise and VIP Concert with Dave Matthews Band

(NORFOLK, VA.) - Dave Matthews Band is once again coming to the aid of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia with an unprecedented offer for donating canned food. With the Foodbank shelves at an all time low, the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater will be accepting canned food donations the day of the Dave Matthews Band concert ONLY, Friday, August 7th, and you will be able to register to win a Bud Light Port Paradise Cruise (includes you and a guest, 4 days/3 nights, trip includes visit to Nassau and Coco Cay Islands and a VIP Concert by Dave Matthews Band - cruise leaves October 23 and returns October 26 (see rules and regulations).

This is over and above the band's offer last week to help stock the shelves by offering a pair of front row seat tickets and a pair of "meet and greet" passes to their August 7th concert at the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater. You can still enter at various radio station remotes, the amphitheater office or go to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia through August 6th.

"When we received the news this morning that the Dave Matthews Band was offering the cruise to get more food on our shelves, we were amazed," says Marianne Smith, Chief Development Officer of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.  "Their generosity will allow us to feed thousands in our area who are hungry.  We are hoping that people will come out in force and give a little, to feed a lot."

Concert Information:  Dave Matthews Band w/ Donavon Frankenreiter - Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater, Friday, August 7th at 7:00 PM - tickets on sale now at www.livenation.com

Posted 08/01/09

Dave Matthews Band Helps Sing for Locals' Supper – Responds to Call to Action
Food Drive to Benefit the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia

(NORFOLK, VA.) - With Foodbank shelves severely low, the Dave Matthews Band is stepping up to help by offering a pair of front row seat tickets and a pair of "meet and greet" passes to their August 7th concert at the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater. Fans are asked to donate a can or two of food to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia to enter the drawing.

"We are so appreciative that Dave Matthews Band and Live Nation have worked to create this event" says Marianne Smith, Chief Development Officer for the Foodbank, "They heard the call to action that our food supply is very low and worked to extend this opportunity to Dave Matthews Band fans. We feel confident that necessary food will be donated to help the area's hungry."

Where to drop off a canned items, and register through August 6th:

Numerous remote sites sponsored by local radio stations, which you will have the chance to win lawn tickets

The Amphitheater's administration office during normal business hours

The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia Winner will be notified the morning of August 7th.

Last year, the Foodbank provided groceries for over 330,000 hungry Southeastern Virginians through a network of 500 partner agencies and programs. There are 1.2 million individuals in our 3,500 square mile service area. Of those residents, the Foodbank has helped feed 1 out of 4. The top ten items needed are peanut butter, chunky soups, canned meats, canned tuna, canned vegetables, juice, cereal, macaroni and cheese, pasta, and pasta sauces.

About Dave Matthews Band
The Dave Matthews Band has worked with many charities throughout their career. The band established the Bama Works Fund in 1999 to help disadvantaged youth and the disabled, as well as support protection of the environment, the arts and humanities. Matthews has been active in charity work, both on his own and with his bandmates. He has performed benefit concerts for music education, Hurricane Katrina victims, farmers, and victims of the Virginia Tech shooting. In 2008 he participated in a music album called Songs for Tibet, together with a number of other celebrities as an initiative to support Tibet and Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso.

About Live Nation
Live Nation's mission is to maximize the live concert experience. Our core business is producing, marketing and selling live concerts for artists via our global concert pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live concerts in the world, annually producing over 22,000 concerts for 1,600 artists in 33 countries. During 2008, the company sold over 50 million concert tickets and drove over 70 million unique visitors to LiveNation.com. Live Nation is transforming the concert business by expanding its concert platform into ticketing and building the industry's first artist-to-fan vertically integrated concert platform. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol LYV. For additional information about the company, please visit www.livenation.com/investors.

Posted 07/21/09

Foodbank Facing Empty Shelves and Skyrocketing Requests

(NORFOLK, VA.) - The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia has continued to work hard to serve our community, as the number of those who need help has increased to over 330,000 last fiscal year (July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009), up 32% from the 250,000 served during 2007-2008.  The economic downturn has led many to seek assistance from their local Food Banks.  The overabundance of citizens in need has put pressure on the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia to meet the overwhelming response.  Summer is traditionally a time of year when the Foodbank sees a drop in donations, and this year is no exception.  We need the community's help now.

"We need both food and funds," says Marianne Smith, Chief Development Officer for the Foodbank, "Over the holiday season we saw a tremendous outpouring of support; however, donations have dropped severely in the last two months.  We're asking community members and businesses to host a food drive in their neighborhood, their place of worship, or their job site," says Smith.  "As the rate of individuals being served rises, the need also continues to increase."

Donations may be delivered directly to the Foodbank or to one of our drop-off sites:  all Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy locations, and many Walgreens stores and Old Point National Banks throughout Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach; in Norfolk at Jackson Hewitt, Electrical Equipment, and Color Me Mine; and in Virginia Beach at Glass Doctor and Hometown Remodeling.  Prepackaged $3, $5, and $10 donation bags are also available for a purchasers' convenience at all Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy locations.  These bags hold some of the Foodbank's most needed items.  The addresses for drop-off sites are listed on our website at www.foodbankonline.org

Last year, the Foodbank provided groceries for over 330,000 hungry Southeastern Virginians through a network of 500 partner agencies and programs. There are 1.2 million individuals in our 3,500 square mile service area.  Of those residents, the Foodbank has helped feed 1 out of 4.  About 30 different agencies come to the warehouse everyday to pick up their weekly or monthly food supplies.  The top ten items needed are peanut butter, chunky soups, canned meats, canned tuna, canned vegetables, juice, cereal, macaroni and cheese, pasta, and pasta sauces.  Monetary donations are also always welcome. Check our website www.foodbankonline.org or call 757-627-6599 to make a donation.

Posted 06/19/09

Cargill makes donation for emergency hunger relief

(CHESAPEAKE, VA.) - Cargill announced on Tuesday it is making a $14,400 donation to fight hunger in Chesapeake, Virginia.

The local Cargill Marine & Terminal Stevedoring group is providing the funds to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. The donation will be used to provide several meals for 225 families.

"We recognize our continued success depends on the growth and health of our communities and partners," said Matt Huffman, Supervisor for the Chesapeake location of Cargill Grain and Oilseed Supply Chain North America. "Given that Cargill seeks to be the global leader in nourishing people, we are making this donation to help address immediate shortfalls of food for families in need."

The Chesapeake effort is an outgrowth of a $5 million donation Cargill announced in December 2008. Hunger relief agencies are facing a growing demand for their services at a time when donations are shrinking. As a result, Cargill committed funds at global, national and local levels to provide immediate hunger relief to area nonprofits.

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Posted 05/12/09

Team Pound for Pound Challenge Concludes…2 Foodbankers Win Top Prize!

Norfolk, VA – The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia participated in Feeding America's™ National Pound for Pound Challenge, sponsored by General Mills and The Biggest Loser. Teams spent months taming their appetites so their weight loss would be converted into donations toward feeding the hungry of our region — and the results are in! Two of the Foodbank's phenomenal staff have won the overall weight loss challenge, losing an average of 7.36% of their total body weight (picture attached). Bill Whiteway, one of the Foodbank's truck drivers, and Executive Administrative Assistant Angela Robinson were both part of one of the Foodbank's teams. US Foodservice, Inc. employees also participated, along with another group organized by the Foodbank's Kids Cafe Manager. The winners of the team challenge were based on the greatest percentage of pounds lost to maintain fairness.

"This was a fun, healthy way to support our neighbors in need, and we're excited about the results," says Marianne Smith, Chief Development Officer of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. "And don't forget, individuals can still clip seals off specially-marked General Mills products until December 2009 as part of this campaign!"

Another aspect of the Challenge includes clipping Pound For Pound seals from specially-marked General Mills products (ending December 2009). For every pound lost and every seal received, General Mills will donate 10 cents to Feeding America; a portion of these funds will be given to your local food bank.

The rewards for individual winners of the Team Challenge, besides personal health and helping those in need, are outstanding. Virginia Fashion Week came on-board as a partner with some amazing sponsors: a year-long membership to Bally's Total Fitness, as well as prizes from Beverly's Fine Fashions & Dan Ryan's for Men, Ciao Bella & GHQ For Men hair design, INK…cosmetics, Beach Bright teeth whitening, Sunday's Blue Box tanning, Coastal Massage Therapy, and an invitation to walk in the Virginia Fashion Week October 2009 runway show.

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Posted 05/12/09

Local Letter Carriers Help Stamp Out Hunger With Almost 97,000 Pounds -
And Still Counting!
Nation's Largest Food Drive Celebrates Success in Feeding the Hungry

On Saturday, May 9, Southeastern Virginia letter carriers collected almost 97,000 pounds of food to The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger food drive. And we're still counting! This week, Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy will be collecting residual non-perishable donations for those whose food was not picked up on Saturday.

"The letter carriers did an amazing job this year, gathering food to feed the hungry in our community," said Marianne Smith, Chief Development Officer of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. "This food drive has helped the more than 322,000 hungry struggling families, their children, and senior citizens who benefit from Foodbank programs."

Now in its 17th year, the Stamp Out Hunger effort is still the nation's largest single-day food drive. For more information about the drive nationally, visit www.nalc.org/commun/foodrive.

» Download Photo of Local Stamp Out Hunger results (high res JPEG)
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Posted 03/24/09

Local Letter Carriers Team Up To Stamp Out Hunger
Nation's Largest Food Drive Celebrates Its 17th Anniversary Helping Local Foodbank

On Saturday, May 9, Southeastern Virginia letter carriers will join forces with The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger food drive. Now in its 17th year, the Stamp Out Hunger effort is still the nation's largest single-day food drive, having collected enough food to provide over 100,000 pounds to the hungry in our area last year alone.

To help Stamp Out Hunger in your neighborhood this year, simply leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, rice, or cereal next to your mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on May 9th. The local letter carriers will then collect donations from homes across the region and they will be delivered to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. This year, to support the growing need, Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy has offered to collect food at their stores if for some reason the donation is not picked up or if residents are unable to place food by their mail delivery scheduled pick-up. Residents can simply drop off food donations at any Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy location beginning May 9th for inclusion in the Stamp Out Hunger food drive.

"The letter carriers truly go above and beyond to make sure this day is a success," said Marianne Smith, Chief Development Officer of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. "Without their dedication and giving spirit, we could not feed the growing need in our community."

Tractor-trailers will arrive at the Foodbank warehouse delivering thousands of pounds of food beginning at approximately 5:30pm on May 9th. By approximately 6:00pm, there should be a line of trucks waiting in line for an open loading dock bay to unload.

WHAT: National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
WHEN: Saturday, May 9th, 5:30-7:30pm Food collections will take place along postal routes throughout Southeastern Virginia.
WHERE: Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, 800 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk
MEDIA SUPPORT: During the week leading up to the Stamp Out Hunger food drive, local media are encouraged to announce the event and how local residents can participate. Due to our struggling economy, this year is critical. Letter carriers need your help to get the word out.

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Posted 03/24/09

Kick-Off to A Frenzy of Feeding Hungry Families in Southeastern Virginia
Legal Food Frenzy kicks off locally on March 27th with luncheon

Norfolk, VA – A luncheon at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia on March 27th at 12 noon will kick-off the local segment of the 3rd Annual Statewide Legal Food Frenzy. In our area, the event has been held for the past 18 years to benefit the Foodbank and is sponsored by the Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association. Last year this event raised nearly 1.3 million pounds of food in cash and food donations statewide, locally providing over 1 million meals to feed the hungry in our area. That more than doubles the amount raised during the 2007 inaugural statewide event.

The Legal Food Frenzy, a competition among Virginia law firms to raise food and funds for their local food bank, will be held March 30 – April 10, 2009. It is anticipated that this year's competition could provide 1.5 million pounds of food for Virginia's Food Banks. Attorney General Mims has been encouraging the Virginia legal establishment to take on this ambitious goal and participate in this event to raise money and food for those less fortunate in Virginia.
» Download full Press Release
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Posted 03/10/09

Backpack Program Tackles Weekend Hunger
The Foodbank on the Eastern Shore Receives Funds to Support Hungry Students

Tasley, VA - Thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation and Feeding America™, the Foodbank on the Eastern Shore, a branch of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, is excited to publicly announce the "Anchor Backpack Program," operating at two schools in Northampton County. The program, providing food to students at Kiptopeke and Occohannock elementary schools, is drawing enthusiastic reviews by parents, teachers, and more importantly, the children.

"We're trying to first reach children in the most impoverished area of the Eastern Shore and want to offer the program at more schools if we can continue to find funding," says Charmin Horton, Eastern Shore Branch Manager. "There's a huge need for this program in both counties, and we're looking for partners that can help us bring the Backpack Program to more schools," Horton added.
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Posted 02/05/09

Pound for Pound: Foodbank Staff Work It Out at Work
Community Team Challenge Heats Up!

Norfolk, VA – The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia will be "weighing-in" tomorrow, January 14, 2009 at 5:30pm, signaling the beginning of the Pound for Pound Team Challenge. Employees of the Foodbank are challenging the community to a good "‘ol" weight loss competition. For anyone looking to shed a few pounds in the New Year, this is the best kind of contest. Local groups, faith-based organizations, businesses, etc., are encouraged to participate in teams, or individually, in the competitive spirit of helping our neighbors in need. This year, people can help the millions of Americans who struggle with hunger while doing something good for themselves.

General Mills, The Biggest Loser, and Feeding America (formerly known as America's Second Harvest – The Nation's Food Bank Network) have joined forces to support the Pound For Pound Challenge, which will help Americans lose weight while providing hunger relief. Through the Challenge, individuals can either sign up at www.pfpchallenge.com to pledge their weight loss goals, and/or clip and mail Pound For Pound seals from specially marked General Mills products.
» Download full Press Release
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Posted 01/13/09

Foodbank Staff Decides to "Scale" Back
Help the Hungry by Joining the Pound for Pound Challenge

Norfolk, VA – The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia will be "weighing-in" tomorrow, January 14, 2009 at 5:30pm, signaling the beginning of the Pound for Pound Team Challenge. Employees of the Foodbank are challenging the community to a good "‘ol" weight loss competition. For anyone looking to shed a few pounds in the New Year, this is the best kind of contest. Local groups, faith-based organizations, businesses, etc., are encouraged to participate in teams, or individually, in the competitive spirit of helping our neighbors in need. This year, people can help the millions of Americans who struggle with hunger while doing something good for themselves.

General Mills, The Biggest Loser, and Feeding America (formerly known as America's Second Harvest – The Nation's Food Bank Network) have joined forces to support the Pound For Pound Challenge, which will help Americans lose weight while providing hunger relief. Through the Challenge, individuals can either sign up at www.pfpchallenge.com to pledge their weight loss goals, and/or clip and mail Pound For Pound seals from specially marked General Mills products.
» Download full Press Release
» Back to Table of Contents

 

 

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