Nearly 80,000-Pound Food Shipment Helps Loudoun Food Pantries

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A nearly 80,000-pound food order arrived in Northern Virginia Thursday to benefit Loudoun Hunger Relief and local food pantries.

The shipment of butter and cheese came from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' central storehouse in Salt Lake City, Utah. Representatives from Loudoun Hunger Relief and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were on hand to receive the shipment.

"At a time when so many individuals and families are experiencing unusually difficult economic times due to the pandemic, we are especially grateful to share with those in need," said Dallon Cheney, bishop of the Leesburg Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Half of the shipment is going to Loudoun Hunger Relief in Leesburg, and the other half is being sent to food pantries in Sterling.

"This food will help many local families who are struggling right now," said Jennifer Montgomery, Loudoun Hunger Relief's executive director. "We are so grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their support."

Feeding America estimates 6.8 percent of people in Loudoun County will be food insecure by the end of 2020. The food insecurity rate for the county in 2018 was 3.8 percent.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.