The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is a nonprofit organization that provides nutritious food to people in need. Founded in 1971, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank serves a 25-county service area and eight cities on either side of the Blue Ridge. It operates out of Verona, Virginia and has warehouses in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Winchester. The organization serves 115,000 people each month and acquires 28 million pounds of food. It works closely with partner agencies to increase access to the food that they distribute to those in need.
US Food Bank to Celebrate 40th Anniversary
The Food Bank also has nutrition programs to address the needs of at-risk populations. In the past year, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank served more than 7,400 children per month in its community and after-school programs. Its Nutrition Program is the only food bank in the area dedicated to serving children in need. This program provides nutritious meals and snacks to at-risk children. In addition to the BackPack Program, the food bank also partners with the FEEDING AMERICA to increase their reach to the area’s most vulnerable residents.
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank launched a nationwide campaign for its 40th anniversary in fall 2006. The organization is asking for financial and food donations from the community. Donations can be made online or by mail. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank will match up to $2,000 for every dollar of online contributions. A $1 donation will provide eight meals for a child. A monthly donation of $17 will help fill one child’s backpack for the entire school year.
Blue Ridge Food Bank donates $1 million to children’s nutrition
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank has four distribution centers and serves more than 2,040 children each month. The food banks are part of the FEEDING AMERICA network of 200 food pantries across the United States. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is a member of the United Way of the Blue Ridge. Its BackPack program is supported by a variety of local businesses. The money collected will be matched by the organization.
In addition to financial donations, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank also needs food donations. The Blueridge Area Food Bank launched the BackPack Program in fall 2006 and now operates in nine local jurisdictions. Its BackPack Program provides nourishing food to over 2,040 children each month. A $1 donation will provide a child with up to eight meals. This is the largest donation to a food bank in the region.
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank operates four distribution centers throughout the Blue Ridge Region. In addition to providing food, the BRAFB also provides nutritional services to more than 103,500 people each month. It is made possible by the generous support of many local businesses. Using the BRFB website, anyone can donate to the organization. The BRFB offers a number of ways to give, including financial and food donations.