The community came together to support those facing hunger by rallying behind five local leaders. They organized a food drive through the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
Tate Love, Tony Davenport, Christine Flory, Dr. Eric Irizarry, and Pamela Snyder spearheaded this fundraising effort. Friends and colleagues were encouraged to contribute food or funds in support of their cause. The recent “Shop to Stop Hunger” event was a big success, yielding nearly 40,000 meals to combat food insecurity in the region.
The event featured a collection drive with donation bins at the Kroger in Staunton. It wrapped up with an exciting 60-second grocery sweep. Each participant had a minute to fill their cart with as much food as possible. Tate Love emerged as the top fundraiser, taking home the “Cart Away Hunger” trophy.
In total, they gathered 38,234 meals. “Events like this show what we can achieve when a community unites for a common cause,” said Kari Diener, CEO of BRAFB. She emphasized the impact of such gatherings in providing immediate relief and hope to families experiencing hunger.
Since its start in 2013, Shop to Stop Hunger has delivered over 956,000 meals to individuals in the Blue Ridge region. With donations still rolling in, the event is on track to reach a remarkable milestone of one million meals.
Food insecurity affects many, with recent statistics showing that over 10% of households in the United States faced food scarcity in 2021, according to the USDA. This hunger crisis has drawn attention from various groups, including local governments and nonprofits, eager to make a change.
Community-driven initiatives like this not only meet immediate needs but also foster a sense of belonging and cooperation. They remind us that, together, we can make a difference.
For more on the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and how to help, visit their website.
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Blue Ridge Area Food Bank,Staunton
