The Need
When the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia began operation in 1981, the doors of hope were not only open to members in the community who were in need of emergency food assistance, but also to a profound new responsibility. In 1998, the present facility was purchased and renovated in order to more effectively serve the more than 400,000 individuals now receiving 15 million pounds of emergency food annually. Programs have been developed to meet the increasing demand and to provide nutritional food to men, women and children with dignity and respect.
To fulfill this responsibility of stewardship, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia has set specific goals for its 2010/2012 Nourishing Hope – Bringing More Food to More People Capital Campaign. This $2.2 million renovation campaign is vitally important in order for the Foodbank to grow and sustain a high quality of programs and to continue to provide food to the disadvantaged. Major facility designs are now proving to be a hindrance to efficiency as we work to distribute food to our hungry neighbors.
The challenge is to continue our momentum, thus providing food in a safe environment in the future. Without these capital changes, we run the risk of halting or impeding daily operations. It also will create additional usable food storage space as certain areas of the facility cannot be utilized due to present conditions. It will require the efforts and generosity of still more community-minded supporters like those who made this organization successful and paved the way to where we are today.
The Need . . . Is Now
The management of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and our board of directors are committed to embracing this challenge and realizing the full potential of everything this facility can be. However, we cannot do it alone. The commitment of our supporting partners and investors must be equally strong to assure success in this endeavor.
The capital campaign will provide the necessary improvements to safely store donated and purchased product and increase efficiency in our programming and services. More food can be distributed and most importantly, it will allow us to provide hope to those who desperately need our help.
Click here to download our Nourishing Hope Campaign