Community Resources

In response to increased demand from the government shutdown, the Foodbank will be holding special food distributions for employees of the Coast Guard, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Travel Security Administration (TSA).

The distributions will be held Mondays 9am-11am and Thursdays 4pm-6pm starting January 24th and continuing through February 28th at 800 Tidewater Drive in Norfolk. Coast Guard ID and TSA/FAA ID required.

The Eastern Shore Branch is partnering with Jerusalem Baptist Church in Temperanceville to provide food and non-food necessities to federal employees on Friday, January 25th.

For other government employees in need of assistance, there are a variety of resources available:

• A map of food pantries and their distribution dates and times can be found on our website directory.
• The Foodbank’s normal Friday distribution at 800 Tidewater Drive will continue to take place from 9am-11am.
• Families with school-age children can apply for free/reduced meal programs at schools.
• Individuals can also apply for SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) benefits.

Our regular client services will continue uninterrupted.

Interested in helping those affected by the shutdown?

We need volunteers to assist with the additional distributions. Please visit the volunteer page for more information on registering.

For those that would like to donate supplies, our most needed items include:

Baby Items

• Formula
• Diapers
• Baby food
• Baby wipes
• Baby cereal

Household items

• Toilet paper
• Soap
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Washing powder

Food Items

• Canned Tuna, Chicken, Turkey
• Cereal
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Pasta and Rice

Items can be dropped off at 800 Tidewater Drive from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you would like to organize a food and fund drive, please click here for more details.

Monetary donations can also be made online to help purchase most needed items.

Who Can Apply?
An individual or a family may be eligible for this nutrition program even if they own a home, live on the streets and don’t have a mailing address, or work full time. If you qualify, you will receive SNAP. The amount you receive on your EBT card each month depends on your income, your assets, and your family size.

How Do I Apply?

The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore is available to help you complete a SNAP application. Get started today by contacting Zach Nissen at 757-201-6287 or znissen@foodbankonline.org. 

In the state of Virginia, you can complete a SNAP application online via the Virginia Department of Social Services website “Common Help” by clicking here. You may also fill out an application at your local Virginia Department of Social Services.

What is SNAP?

Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP is the cornerstone of the Nation’s nutrition safety net and an investment in our future. The SNAP program offers the opportunity for improved nutrition and progress toward economic self-sufficiency for participants. We urge individuals and families to take advantage of this program.  It has been created to offer supplemental support for those who are struggling; the working poor, the unemployed, single parents, and the disabled.  With even small amounts of SNAP aid, individuals then require less help from the Foodbank, so we can then serve more people.  Every dollar spent on food from SNAP creates $1.84 of economic activity, employing people in agriculture, manufacturing, and retail.

2-1-1 Connects Virginia is a statewide network of regional call centers whose mission is to provide easy access to health and human services available throughout Virginia.
By simply dialing 211 on your phone, you can learn about help that is available in your local area (you don’t need to enter your area code first.) An automated voice will then ask you to enter your zip code. You will then be routed to a person who will talk with you
about helpful services near you. They provide information about getting food, clothing, medical services, housing, employment opportunities, financial assistance, government services and more.

Learn more at www.211virginia.org

211 is for non-emergency situations. For emergencies that require police, fire fighters, or an ambulance, call 911.

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Please send updates to this sheet to: homelessness@norfolk.gov .