Rachel Hopkins, CEO of CHIP of Roanoke Valley, sheds light on how unstable SNAP benefits have made consistent food support vital. Many families run low on resources before the month ends. A new partnership has stepped in to help.
“Families often choose between groceries and diapers. A timely delivery of food boxes means they don’t have to face that choice,” Hopkins explains. Reliable food box deliveries have made a notable difference for many.
Kris Rau, an assistant professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, shared his thoughts on the students working with CHIP. He finds it inspiring to see them engage with real community issues.
“These experiences give students valuable insight into the social, economic, and environmental factors affecting health,” Rau says. “They develop empathy and communication skills, helping them appreciate the lives of their future patients. This work aligns with our goal to teach students how to approach care with humility.”
The collaboration has gained attention beyond the local community. Hopkins and her team presented their project at the Engagement Scholarship Consortium International Conference. The initiative won the Best Poster Award for its meaningful community impact.
“Projects like this highlight our mission,” said Susan E. Short, an associate vice president at Virginia Tech. “When students connect with communities to create change, they enhance their learning and support local families.”
Despite strong collaboration, challenges remained, like transporting boxes monthly from the distribution site. Hanlon, another team member, credits dedicated volunteers and community involvement for the success of the initiative.
“Our team felt supported, and families felt acknowledged. The professionalism and empathy the students brought went beyond logistics,” Hopkins adds.
Hanlon encourages students to seek volunteer opportunities, even if they’re unrelated to their career paths. “If we hadn’t volunteered with CHIP, we wouldn’t have discovered this need. Collaboration often sparks the best ideas.”
Recent statistics reveal that food insecurity remains a pressing issue. A 2023 report showed that nearly 10% of U.S. households faced food shortages, highlighting the importance of community support initiatives. As trends on social media reflect increasing awareness and calls for action, it becomes clear that grassroots efforts like this can make a significant impact on lives.
If you want to learn more about food security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers comprehensive resources on their website.
Source link
Top News;Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine;Outreach and International Affairs;Impact;Office of Engagement;Engagement;Roanoke, Va.
