Mayflower Marathon: How Your Contributions Help Local Families During the Holidays
The joy of the holidays can sometimes be overshadowed by stress and strain for many families struggling with food insecurity. Events like the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore’s annual Mayflower Marathon Food Drive provide essential nourishment during this critical time, with this year’s event taking place November 22-24, 2024.
What is the Mayflower Marathon Food Drive?
The Mayflower Marathon Food Drive, now in its 28th year, is more than just a food drive; it’s a lifeline for countless families across Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. With over 132,240 individuals projected to be food insecure in this area, the need for effective solutions is pressing. The annual event lasts for just 58 hours, is supported by local radio stations FM99 and 106.9 The Fox, and is pivotal in ensuring families enjoy nutritious meals during the holidays.
Through both food drive donations and monetary donations, more of our neighbors can share holiday meals with their loved ones. Last year alone, the Mayflower Marathon Food Drive curated enough contributions to provide over 756,000 meals.
Get Involved
The success of the drive relies heavily on community engagement. Volunteers, donors, and corporate sponsors all play a part in making it a success. Getting involved in the Mayflower Marathon Food Drive is simple and rewarding, with several ways you can make a difference.
Volunteer: The drive wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of volunteers. From collecting and inspecting food drive donations to assisting with traffic control, there are numerous roles available. We’re predicting the need for 700 volunteers to help during this year’s event.
Donate: Whether you choose to contribute non-perishable food items or make a monetary donation, every little bit helps. Food drive donations can be made in person at our designated drop-off locations or online for those who prefer digital giving. Along with our most-needed items, you can donate holiday menu items, including:
- Frozen turkey or ham
- Stuffing mix
- Cornbread or quick bread mix
- Gravy
- Potatoes (boxed or canned)
- Cranberry sauce
- Pie crust mix
- Canned milk
This year, two food donation drop-off locations are available at:
- Lynnhaven Mall – 701 Lynnhaven Pkwy. Virginia Beach, VA 23452
- Kroger Marketplace – 1017 University Blvd. Suffolk, VA 23435
Start a Fundraiser: Organize a fundraiser in your community, workplace, or school. Remember, $1 can provide two meals, so encouraging your neighbors to donate to your fundraiser goes a long way.
Share Your Support on Social Media: Help raise awareness and inspire others to join the cause. Let your network know how you’re making a difference by tagging @FoodbankSEVA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or LinkedIn, and using the hashtag #MayflowerMarathon.
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore operates a vital food bank in Norfolk and surrounding cities, providing essential resources to families in need throughout the region. The Mayflower Marathon Food Drive is one way we can help provide meals to those in need as part of a larger movement to end food insecurity. Your contributions—whether through food donation drop-off, volunteering, donating, or fundraising—help light up the holidays for families facing difficult times in our community.