Advocacy

Working Together to End Hunger in Virginia

At the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, we are proud to amplify a unified voice of anti-hunger advocates. Through strong partnerships and united action, we work with public and private partners to drive lasting change in food access and health equity through:

  • Collaborative Policy Leadership: We hold a seat on the General Assembly’s Commission to End Hunger, where we work alongside lawmakers, agencies, and community leaders
  • Leading a Statewide Coalition: We convene the Virginia Food Access Coalition, a growing partnership of more than 100 advocates expanding access to healthy, local food
  • Legislative Wins: In 2024, we supported the Hunger-Free Campus Act, securing $500,000 in funding to help colleges and universities run on-campus food pantries
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Food access advocates at the Virginia Food for Virginia Families Reception: (from left) Beth Green, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture; Eddie Oliver, Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks; Delegate Betsy Carr; Delegate Rae Cousins; Joe Guthrie, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture; Cliff Williamson, Virginia Agribusiness Council
2025 Site Images (4) (1)

In 2025, we will continue to work with local, state, and federal partners and aim to:

  • Protect SNAP and Medicaid benefits while strengthening federal nutrition programs in the Farm Bill
  • Raise the minimum SNAP benefit for older adults (age 60+) from $23 to $50 per month
  • Expand Medicaid coverage to include nutrition services and food as a Plan benefit
  • Highlight the vital role of Virginia’s farmers and agricultural economy in feeding our neighbors

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