Commonwealth-wide food drive to assist federal workers, military civilian workers and their families, and newly eligible SNAP recipients ahead of Thanksgiving
Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced the launch of the Virginia Cares Initiative, a Commonwealth-wide food drive to support Virginians impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The initiative will provide food assistance to those not covered under the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program — including federal employees, Virginians who support our military who are awaiting pay, and approximately 12,000 Virginians newly eligible for SNAP benefits this month but unable to access them due to the federal shutdown.
Under the Virginia Cares Initiative, Virginians can sign up to support our hungry neighbors by donating food and funds to the state’s regional food banks. Participants will receive a list of high-demand food items, drop-off locations, and open hours. Monetary donations will help food banks purchase more food to meet the spike in demand for emergency food assistance. Food banks are able to leverage their purchasing power to stretch each dollar and feed more families. Last week, the Governor distributed an additional $1 million in funds to support the Commonwealth’s food banks.
“Our food banks and network of 1,150 pantry partners are facing a perfect storm of challenges,” said Eddie Oliver, Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. “We are grateful for the Governor’s leadership in establishing VENA and ensuring food banks have additional resources to meet the record high demand we are experiencing across the Commonwealth. We appreciate the continued support from the community as we work to connect every family with the nutrition they need to thrive.”
Virginians interested in joining the Virginia Cares Initiative can visit the Virginia Cares Initiative Sign-Up Page to learn more, find their nearest food bank, and receive regional information on how to donate, volunteer, or host a food drive.