NBC29Food Banks In Need Of Community Support

Food Banks In Need Of Community Support

Food banks across central Virginia are seeing a major increase in the number of families needing assistance. With U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds being cut across the board, community donations are becoming more important than ever.

Thousands of food pantries across the nation rely heavily on the USDA for food supplies. But with donations dwindling, central Virginia food banks are doing their best to ensure no family goes hungry.

At the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, workers are trying to do more with less.

"Last year, we did about 4.5 million pounds of food," said Kevin Ruddle, the food bank's manager. "This year, we're looking at about 4 million pounds."

That is due to a 10 percent decrease in USDA entitlement funds for the entire food bank network.

"Ten percent doesn't sound like a lot," said Ruddle. "But when you spread it around our whole network, it is a lot. Along with donations being down, it makes a difference."

And with USDA funding down, food pantries are looking to the community for support.

"We still need the help," said Ruddle. "The demand is still increasing. We're going to continue to need donations to come in along with the USDA commodities."

Smaller food pantries are feeling the pinch, too. The Stanardsville Food Pantry, run out of Stanardsville Baptist Church, is serving more families than ever before.

"Already this year, we've seen an increase of 100 percent since January of last year," said the pantry's administrator, Sandra Sullivan.

Sullivan has worked with the food bank since 2008. She says the community has come to the rescue before and she has faith that the pantry's needs will be met again.

"We're getting into a downturn somewhat now," said Sullivan. "We appreciate the help that we have been getting from everyone."

And when it comes to donations, every little bit helps.

"Families depend on this each month," Sullivan said. "It helps them to use the money that they do get to pay their bills."

Food bank directors say there are different ways to help; from volunteering your time at the pantry, to picking up a couple extra items during your next trip to the grocery store.

Reported by Kasey Hott
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