Dear Faith-Based Partners,
Since the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore’s founding in 1981, the faith-based community has played a vital role in our mission, which is leading the effort to eliminate hunger in our community. Our faith-based partners have served as donors, volunteers and champions for a robust network of food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency shelters that serve people facing hunger or experiencing food insecurity. Now more than ever, as we encounter unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re relying on our local faith-based community to join us in a time of tremendous need. I believe very strongly that if we bring together food and faith, we will be in a better position to inspire hope that will transcend this moment in history.
Through the Foodbank’s COVID-19 Response efforts, we remain committed to serving our community for as long as we possibly can. Toward the goal of targeting our resources, we are focusing our efforts on distributing food to the most vulnerable populations, including seniors, children and low-income families.
In order to scale and sustain our efforts, we need greater funding to provide more food to additional people who are experiencing food insecurity and have no place to turn. We also need volunteers who can safely deliver food to homebound seniors who lack transportation or need to maintain their wellbeing by socially distancing themselves. Due to these needs, we are asking for your help in four simple ways.
Give funds. Donations to the Foodbank’s COVID-19 faith-based community engagement page will help provide much-needed, nutritious food to those in our community most at-risk of hunger—seniors, children and low-income families. For just $35, an individual donor can cover the cost of 10 meals. For $3,500, your organization can cover the cost of 1,000 meals for people in our community.
Give food. Start a virtual food and fund drive. You can share your fundraiser with friends, family and faith community, post or email updates and track your progress toward your goal. You are also providing a simple and secure way to accept donations, which come directly to the Foodbank.
Give time. You can volunteer by delivering food to seniors in need. Seniors are encouraged to minimize their interactions with the public, and we are taking great precautions to avoid contact. If you are healthy and willing to help, you can provide much needed food to this vulnerable population. Register to volunteer by visiting our Volunteer Hub.
Give voice. Become a social media ambassador for us by sharing pertinent information on your organization’s social media channels. We will provide the messaging and inspiration; all you have to do is share.
In this time of uncertainty, it’s important to keep the faith. It is often said, “faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” By investing your funds, food, time and voice in our shared vision for a hunger-free community, we will use food and faith to inspire hope for today, hope for tomorrow and hope for the future beyond COVID-19.
With a grateful heart,
Ruth Jones Nichols, PhD
President and CEO
