Becoming a Hunger Hero: How You Can Help Combat Summer Hunger in Southeastern Virginia

The end of spring break means summer is fast approaching. The new season should be a time of fun and relaxation, but for many families in Southeastern Virginia, it’s a season of stress and uncertainty. When school ends, so do school meal programs, leaving families who rely on this critical resource struggling to fill the gap.

During the summer months, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore experiences a drop in donations, even as the need for food assistance rises. Through our Hunger Heroes program, we deliver fresh, nutritious food to families in need, ensuring support during this critical time.

Continue reading this blog to learn more about Hunger Heroes and how you can support the Foodbank’s efforts to combat hunger in our community.

Hot Heroes: Summer Hunger Programs

Hunger Heroes is a summer hunger program that fills the seasonal gap in food access by providing fresh, nutritious food to those in need.  Here’s how it works:

The 757 Mobile Market: Hunger Heroes uses the 757 Mobile Market to bring fresh produce, proteins, dairy, and pantry staples directly to underserved neighborhoods across the region.

Client-Choice Distributions: Families have the independence to choose what items suit their needs, reducing waste while empowering individuals to retain control over their food selections. It’s about more than food; it’s about dignity.

Monthly Events: Summer community food distribution events occur on a consistent schedule throughout June, July, and August, making it easier for families to plan. Locations and times remain the same each month, delivering both reliability and relief.

By offering a combination of high-quality food and the flexibility of choice, Hunger Heroes allows families to maintain a sense of normalcy while meeting their nutritional needs.

The Impact of Hunger Heroes

Hunger Heroes is more than just a summer hunger program. It’s a community builder, a trust creator, and a source of hope. Each distribution site serves around 50 households per distribution site, providing essential nutrition to working families who are stretched thin during the summer months.

How You Can Be a Hunger Hero

Helping combat summer hunger is easier than you might think. Whether you have time, resources, or influence to contribute, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.

Make a Donation

Your support can make a powerful impact in the fight against summer hunger. A monetary donation allows us to purchase fresh produce and essential items directly, ensuring families receive the nutritious food they need.

You can also contribute by organizing or donating to a community food drive. Non-perishable items like canned vegetables, pasta, and rice are always in high demand. Every donation brings us closer to eliminating hunger in our communities.

Volunteer at a Distribution

Giving just two hours of your time can make a significant difference. Volunteers, including those seeking corporate volunteer opportunities, play a key role by greeting neighbors, handing out food, and helping create a welcoming environment. It’s a great chance for individuals, families, community groups, and corporate teams to come together for a meaningful cause.

Sponsor an Event

Each of our community food distribution events is sponsored by a business or corporate sponsor. Event sponsorship is a powerful way to make an impact in our communities. For $2,000, your sponsorship covers food, logistics, and staffing for an entire distribution. Here’s why you should consider sponsoring Hunger Heroes:

• Direct Community Engagement: Sponsors can participate in corporate volunteer opportunities by working alongside Foodbank staff at their funded distribution.
• Brand Visibility: Your business will receive on-site recognition, mentions in Foodbank communications, and public relations opportunities. 
• Real Impact: Know that your contribution is helping bridge the summer hunger gap directly within your community.

Opportunities are limited, so inquire early to secure your spot as a Hunger Heroes sponsor!

Spread the Word

Even if you can’t sponsor or participate in volunteer work, you can still help the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Share the cause with your network, whether through social media, community boards, or friendly conversations. The more people who know about summer hunger programs, the more individuals we can connect to food resources.

Accessing Hunger Heroes

If you or your family are in need of food assistance this summer, Hunger Heroes is here to help. There are no lengthy sign-up processes or eligibility requirements.

Distribution Locations

Here are the locations where Hunger Heroes distributions are available to serve the community:

• Chesapeake
• Exmore
• Norfolk 
• Suffolk
• Virginia Beach

These sites are dedicated to providing essential resources to combat hunger and support local families during the summer months. For a schedule of distribution dates and times, visit our website.

No one should go hungry, especially during the summer months when children may lack access to school meal programs. Our team is committed to making the process as easy and welcoming as possible for everyone. Together, we can overcome summer hunger and ensure that no family is left behind.