Partnering with FoodBank: How We Work Together to Fight Hunger
In every community, there are people who go to bed hungry, but there are also heroes who refuse to let hunger win. Through the transformative power of foodbank partnerships, we can achieve remarkable outcomes and drive meaningful change together. Explore how hunger relief programs and partnerships with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore can play a significant role in fighting hunger and making a difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity in our communities.
The Power of Partnerships in Combating Hunger
Food insecurity affects 132,240 people in our area. The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has provided over 400 million meals to individuals and families since its inception in 1981.
Foodbank partnerships are crucial in extending the reach of our foodbanks in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads, allowing for greater resource allocation and maximizing the impact of efforts to combat hunger. By collaborating with various organizations, the Foodbank can better serve our community, ensuring that nutritious meals are within reach for all. When local organizations join forces, their collective impact multiplies. This collaboration is vital for addressing the root causes of food insecurity and building a more resilient support network.
Building Food Security
Partnerships with the Foodbank help reduce hunger, improve nutrition in local neighborhoods, and ensure that healthy food options are available to those who need them most. Our foodbank donation center plays an essential role in these efforts.
When individuals and families have access to nutritious meals, they experience better health outcomes, improved educational performance, and increased economic stability. By addressing hunger, partnerships with the Foodbank can help break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change.
The Foodbank’s distribution network relies on partner agencies to deliver food locally. These agencies fill gaps in service and reach underserved areas. By working together, the Foodbank and its partners can distribute resources more efficiently and effectively. Partnerships allow us to provide essentials through our foodbank in Norfolk and surrounding areas.
Strengthening the network of partners creates a more resilient, supportive community infrastructure. When more organizations join the fight against hunger, the collective impact becomes stronger, enabling the Foodbank to reach even more people in need.
Organizations That Partner with the Foodbank
Partnering with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore involves a diverse array of 501c3 tax-exempt organizations united by a shared commitment to eradicating hunger and supporting food security in their communities. Some of our partner organizations include:
Nonprofit organizations – Shelters, youth groups, community centers, and other nonprofits provide essential services and support to individuals and families facing food insecurity through hunger relief programs.
Religious institutions – Churches, temples, and mosques contribute to local food distribution efforts by leveraging their vast networks and resources.
Schools and educational programs – By working together, schools, after-school programs, and summer feeding initiatives can provide children with the nutritious meals they need to thrive.
Our Partners’ Impact
Candy Cares, Inc. is not only a key partner, but was named our 2024 Partner Agency Rookie of the Year. Like the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, Candy Cares, Inc. is also a nonprofit with the goal of fighting hunger by providing the food insecure with aid, resources, and education. They have been integral in helping us distribute 20 million pounds of food to those in need over the past year, demonstrating the power of partnerships in addressing food insecurity in our communities.
Impact Church SoNo in Chesapeake has served as one of our partner agencies, providing much-needed support to the Foodbank’s efforts. In 2024, they were our top-serving agency for the USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), providing 34,048 meals to people facing food insecurity.
Partnering with the Foodbank
Organizations interested in becoming a partner agency with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore can join the network by meeting specific criteria and committing to our mission. By becoming a partner, organizations have the opportunity to make a significant impact on their communities and help fight hunger. Enrollment opens annually in January.
Join us in uniting against hunger and partnering with the Foodbank for the greater good. Contact the Foodbank today to learn more about becoming a partner agency and making an impact in your community.