Governor Allocates Funding For Food Banks To Address Food Needs

VIRGINIA — On Monday, Gov. Ralph Northam announced $7 million in federal CARES Act funding will go toward food banks as the concern of food insecurity grows during the pandemic.

The funding seeks to address an expected gap of food assistance from the end of the USDA's Farmers to Families Food Box program and a drop in commodities at the end of the year.

The pandemic has also raised a concern of growing food insecurity. Before the pandemic, Feeding America identified approximately 850,000 Virginians who were food insecure. Feeding America estimates that up to 275,000 more Virginians could experience food insecurity in 2020 due to the pandemic.

"The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the already serious problem of food insecurity in Virginia and across the country," said Northam in a statement. "This funding will help Virginia food banks and other food assistance programs meet the increased demand for their services and ensure every Virginian has continued access to nutritious food during these challenging times."

The funding will help the Federation of Virginia Food Banks purchase fresh food and dairy products. Food banks can also use the funds to purchase shelf-stable commodities and address storage, refrigeration and transportation issues. The federation is a network of seven regional food banks, including the Capital Area Food Bank in DC. The Capital Area Food Bank serves the greater DC region and has a network of over 450 partners such as faith-based organizations, food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, senior programs, daycare centers, and other nonprofits providing food.

Northam, members of his Cabinet and his staff plan to volunteer at food banks during the month of November. Last month, the governor announced the Virginia Roadmap to End Hunger, a plan outlining goals and strategies to prioritize addressing food insecurity during the pandemic and beyond. The plan includes 10 "aspirational goals" to address by 2025.

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 54 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.