RICHMOND, VA (May 8, 2026) — The Federation of Virginia Food Banks today announced a $1 million donation from the Spanberger Inaugural Committee to strengthen hunger relief efforts across the Commonwealth.
This investment comes at a critical moment. Our network of 1,150 community pantries and other agency partners are experiencing unprecedented levels of sustained demand for emergency food assistance. At the same time, food donations from our traditional partners are declining, and high food costs are straining budgets across the board.
A substantial share of this funding will support the expansion of the Federation’s Farms to Food Banks initiative, which connects Virginia farmers with food banks to deliver fresh, locally grown food to families in need. The Farms to Food Banks program is a key strategy for addressing these challenges. By purchasing surplus and locally produced food directly from farmers, the program not only supports Virginia’s agricultural economy but also increases access to nutritious food for households facing hunger.
“This generous gift could not come at a more important time,” said Eddie Oliver, Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. “Food banks are navigating a difficult landscape, with Federal cuts significantly reducing resources available to food insecure families, as well as service providers. This funding will allow us to deepen our partnerships with Virginia farmers, expand access to fresh and healthy foods, and ensure we can continue meeting the growing need in communities across the Commonwealth.”
The Spanberger Inauguration Committee was formed to plan and support the inauguration of Governor Abigail Spanberger upon her election to lead the Commonwealth. “At a time when federal resources for food-insecure families are shrinking, Virginians have to step up for each other,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “This gift to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks is one way the Inaugural Committee is putting its resources to work for the Commonwealth — supporting the farmers, food banks, and community partners doing essential work in every corner of Virginia.”
Through its network of regional food banks, the Federation works to efficiently source and distribute food – more than 170 million pounds last year – to hundreds of partner agencies, including food pantries, clinics, schools, and community organizations. Investments like this one are essential to sustaining and scaling innovative programs that both meet immediate needs and strengthen long-term food system resilience.