There are less than 10 days left in the first-ever statewide "Governor's Bowl" food & fund drive.
It's difficult to gauge just how much food will be rolling in during the next two weeks, but some early donations from the statewide food drive have the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank feeling optimistic.
The University of Virginia has already donated more than 1,000 pounds of food since the "Governor's Bowl" began back in late May. The Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Zion Crossroads has collected around 10,000 pounds.
The "Governor's Bowl" is a competition between businesses and chambers of commerce across the state to see which ones can raise the most money or food to help feed families during the summer months.
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank CEO Larry Zippin said, "The Governor's Bowl connects food insecurity with businesses. The businesses have employees, customers, and theoretically and we hope, practically, that they rise up and help fill the need."
Food donations historically decline after the holiday season, and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank says the summer is often one of the most desperate times for hungry families.
It's still too early to tell just how much food the drive will bring in, but you can still help by dropping off food donations at participating businesses. The "Governor's Bowl" ends July 4.
