The Role of Corporate Partners in Fighting Hunger
Food insecurity impacts over 132,240 individuals in Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore annually, highlighting that the fight against hunger has never been more urgent. Since 1981, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has provided over 380 million meals to neighbors in need, guided by our mission to ensure nutritious meals are accessible to underserved communities.
But the Foodbank can’t do it alone. Corporate sponsors are critical in supporting food distribution efforts, funding essential programs, and creating strategic partnerships to combat hunger effectively. For businesses, joining our mission as a corporate partner is more than just philanthropy but also an opportunity to make an impact, reinforce corporate social responsibility (CSR), and engage meaningfully with the Hampton Roads community.
Why Become a Corporate Sponsor with The Foodbank?
Partnering with the Foodbank as a corporate sponsor is an opportunity to give back to Hampton Roads while strengthening your brand. Here’s why it’s worth your commitment:
Make a Tangible Impact
Corporate partnerships directly fund programs that provide nutritious meals, combat food insecurity, and support underserved communities. These contributions have real, measurable results in the fight against hunger.
For example, in a record-breaking year in 2024, the Foodbank distributed 24.7 million pounds of food, with 78% of it including healthy options like fresh produce. Your financial support ensures our mission continues, reaching those in need faster and more effectively.
Enhance Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Aligning your brand with a cause as critical as hunger relief speaks volumes about your company’s values. Employees, consumers, and stakeholders notice when organizations step up to address issues in the community. Supporting the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore strengthens your CSR efforts, demonstrating your commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive community.
Gain Brand Exposure & Recognition
The Foodbank offers our corporate sponsors meaningful visibility through customized promotional partnerships, social media shoutouts, and prominent logo placement on marketing materials. These opportunities enhance your business’s brand and deepen public awareness of your commitment to social good.
Organizations can also double your impact through corporate matching donations. Matching gifts offer an easy way to support the Foodbank while encouraging employees to contribute.
Great Givers
While every contribution to the Foodbank is essential, companies contributing over $10,000 receive the distinction of being a Great Giver. These sponsors enjoy enhanced recognition and expanded branding opportunities.
Build Community & Employee Engagement
Host a Food Drive: Your business can host a food drive to complement your financial support to the Foodbank. Encourage your staff and local community members to make a food donation or donate directly to the Foodbank.
Volunteering at food banks: This is a fantastic way to connect your company with part of the Hampton Roads community. There are several opportunities for foodbank volunteers, including traditional or recurring. Foodbank volunteers experience team bonding, cultivate a sense of pride, and showcase your organization as one that genuinely cares about its impact on the world around it.
ODU’s Assistant Director for Service-Learning has shared glowing praise, describing the Foodbank as “one of the highest-rated service sites” for the university. Students had the opportunity to volunteer at the Foodbank, and their testimonials speak volumes about the impact of food bank community service:
“It felt like we made a big impact.”
“The Foodbank made me feel like we really did a lot and were able to do more for the community.”
“At the Foodbank, we learned about the organization and got straight to work, which I loved!”
How to Get Involved
The fight against hunger is a challenge too big for one organization to solve alone. Your business can make a difference by stepping up as a corporate sponsor:
- Partner with the Foodbank to provide financial contributions that make a real impact.
- Engage your team by volunteering at food banks to deliver hands-on service.
- Host a food drive to gather food donations that directly benefit families in Hampton Roads.