Foodbank to Hold Emergency Food Distribution in Wake of Family Dollar Fire in Norfolk

Temporary Closing Creating Greater Hardship for Community Food Desert

Norfolk, VA – The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore will be holding an emergency food pantry in the parking lot at 720 Church Street in Norfolk on Friday, September 16 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. This in response to the recent fire at the Family Dollar at that location.

“This neighborhood was already an area of concern for us as it meets all of the USDA’s criteria for a food desert,” says Foodbank President & CEO Christopher Tan. “While the Family Dollar does not provide the kind of nutritious food found at a full-service grocery store, it has served as the only source for food in that area. The City of Norfolk came to us seeking our help with this situation, and we are honored to be of service. These citizens are literally our next-door neighbors, and we want to be there for them in this moment of need.”

Each person served at the food pantry will receive approximately 35 pounds of food consisting of shelf-stable items, lean protein, and fresh produce. Because the food being distributed comes from the USDA, income eligibility limits will apply. Those not registered with USDA will be quickly screened by Foodbank staff to determine eligibility.

For more information, please contact Senior Director of Communications David Brandt at 757.644.5860 or dbrandt@foodbankonline.org.

About the Foodbank  

For over 35 years, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has provided over 300 million meals to those in our community who face hunger. Through our programs, facilities, and large network of community partners, we “eliminate hunger” on a daily basis for many. However, we understand that our current work addresses hunger for individuals in the short term. It does not address the root causes which force individuals to return to a food pantry again and again. This understanding has led to the creation of a 3-year strategic plan aimed to move Hampton Roads closer to achieving the mission of eliminating hunger for those we serve—only for the day, or for the week, but for a lifetime. For up-to-date information on the Foodbank, visit www.foodbankonline.org, Facebook, or Twitter.

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