Join the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s Expanded Annual School Food Drive: Help Feed Shenandoah Valley Children!

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is expanding its School Food Drive this year to include schools in the Shenandoah Valley, such as Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro. Running from March 3 to March 21, the drive aims to tackle food insecurity in our communities.

Livia Marrs, the food bank’s volunteer and food drive manager, says this year is especially important. “We want to engage more students and help everyone understand how they can help,” she shared.

Since starting in 2011, the School Food Drive has collected over 100,000 pounds of food, which means more than 84,000 meals for families in need. What began as a student-led project in Albemarle County now involves over 20 schools across multiple counties.

During the drive, students, families, and school staff will gather non-perishable food. The food bank will sort these donations at its Verona warehouse and distribute them to local shelters, soup kitchens, and food pantries.

Marrs hopes to see more than 30 schools join by the registration deadline of February 21. The expansion aims to raise awareness among students about food insecurity and encourage them to make a positive difference.

“It’s vital for students to know they can help fight food insecurity in their community,” said Marrs.

If you want to be part of this initiative, contact Livia Marrs at lmarrs@brafb.org before February 21.