Food access is a critical contributor to health. Unfortunately, many people suffer long-term health consequences because they were born into communities that lack access to affordable, nutritious food. Diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease are directly tied to food insecurity, leading to significant health disparities among socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
By the time a neighbor in need has connected with the charitable food system, they have likely faced spending trade-offs, forced to choose between paying for rent or medication and nutritious food. These impossible choices only exacerbate health consequences and perpetuate the vicious cycles of food insecurity and chronic disease.
Virginia’s food banks are working together in unprecedented ways to deliver equitable solutions throughout the Commonwealth. We are also partnering with health care and community-based organizations to connect our neighbors with the resources they need before this cycle begins.
Together, our food banks and partners are working to make the ‘healthy choice’ the ‘easy choice’ by:
- investing in our partner agency networks so they can distribute more nutritious food and fresh produce than ever before
- ensuring neighbors have access to healthy recipes and nutrition education resources throughout our pantry network
- expanding our service delivery models to make the pantry experience more accessible and dignified
- screening and intervening for food security in the health care and community settings
