The rise in hunger rates is alarming. In Virginia, food banks are stepping up to support community health by using local resources. Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health & Human Services released new dietary guidelines. These guidelines highlight the importance of consuming high-quality proteins, dairy, and fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s a crucial step to improve health outcomes nationwide.
Eddie Oliver, the executive director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, emphasizes a key point: “Eating well is essential for health, but access to good food is just as important. Nutritious food is often too expensive for many families.”
Food insecurity affects millions of Americans—people struggling to get enough food due to financial challenges. This issue is linked to higher rates of chronic diseases. Research by Feeding America shows that those facing food insecurity generally have higher healthcare costs compared to those who are food secure.
In Virginia alone, over 1 million residents were food insecure in 2023, the highest number ever recorded in Feeding America’s “Map the Meal Gap” study. The demand for food assistance is growing, and food banks are spending significantly more now than they did in 2019 due to rising food prices and cuts to federal aid programs.
In September 2025, over 850,500 Virginians were enrolled in the SNAP program, a vital lifeline for many. With recent cuts, the food banks find themselves needing to distribute twice as much food overnight to meet the rising demand. Dairy, meat, and fresh produce are the most sought-after items, yet they remain challenging to procure.
Despite Virginia being home to a booming agriculture sector, over a million people face food insecurity. Oliver believes there’s a way to strengthen local economies while addressing hunger. The Federation is building partnerships with local farmers, encouraging initiatives like the “Farms to Food Banks” program. Through this, farmers can sell or donate food to food assistance organizations, boosting local agriculture and helping those in need.
For instance, surplus apples from local orchards have led to fruitful partnerships, reducing food waste while getting nutritious food to families. To meet protein needs, the food banks are sourcing peanut butter from local businesses, beef, and fresh milk through programs like “Milk for Good.”
Virginia farmers are known for their generosity. They often jump at the chance to partner with food banks, knowing it makes a real difference in their communities. Additionally, the Virginia Agriculture Food Assistance Program (VAFAP) allows farmers to receive tax credits for food donations, making giving back even easier.
In these challenging times, the community can help by donating money or volunteering at local food banks. Together, we can combat hunger and improve health outcomes across Virginia. For more information on how to get involved, check out the Virginia Food Banks website.
Understanding the link between food access and health might be crucial in these discussions, as many experts argue that improving food security can lead to better health for all. It’s an issue that needs our attention and action.
