Blue Ridge Area Food Bank looks at need for food assistance

VERONA, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (BRAFB) hosted a virtual CEO Forum, titled “In Our Neighbors’ Words: Understanding the Rising Need for Food Assistance While Inspiring Action” on Wednesday. The event brought together partners, supporters, and community members to address the growing demand for food assistance and explore impactful solutions.

Highlights from the forum included:

• The Food Bank and its partner network is currently serving 172,000 people per month, on average—the highest in its 44-year history.
• The reasons behind rising demand include the decoupling of unemployment rates from food insecurity, the soaring costs of living, and cuts to government food assistance programs.
• The Food Bank remains committed to its strategic plan, despite these headwinds. Initiatives like new food pantry partnerships, school-based food markets (Good Food School Markets), and healthcare-centered “Food Pharmacies” were highlighted.
• Attendees were urged to advocate for a strong farm bill to protect vital food assistance programs.

McKee says at its current pace, BRAFB is likely to close the fiscal year by serving more food to more people than ever before.