NORFOLK, Va. — Food banks continue to be busy across Hampton Roads as community members and lawmakers discuss solutions to address hunger issues.
Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine participated in a roundtable discussion Wednesday afternoon with stakeholders at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore to hear about the issues they are facing. Kaine listened to the group for about 90 minutes.
A particular focus of the discussion was cuts to the food stamp program, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Last year, Congress approved a budget that pushed certain costs of the program onto states.
“Here we are nine months after the bill passed and now we’re seeing the real effect,” said Kaine.
“The disruptions in the SNAP program it affects everyone,” said Sabrina Davis from the non-profit Reset, Inc.
During the meeting, stakeholders noted the rising demand for food assistance.
“Since 2023, we’ve seen a 20-percent increase in pantry visits across the state,” said Eddie Oliver from the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.
Despite the challenges, there are positive developments in the movement against hunger in the region.