Neighbors Helping Neighbors FY 2024 Annual Report

As our reach has expanded, so too has our focus on the quality of the food we distribute. Seventy-eight percent of the food we provided was classified as nutritious, reflecting our commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles. Last year alone, produce distribution grew by 14%, ensuring fresh fruits and vegetables are more readily available to those we serve. Over the past two fiscal years, protein distribution increased by an impressive 59.4%, rising from 2.3 million to 3.6 million pounds—an increase sufficient to provide over 1 million additional meals to our neighbors in need.

The impact of these efforts is evident in the growing number of people turning to the Foodbank for help. We facilitated 89% more food distribution interactions through our partners and programs, totaling more than 1.6 million. Behind these numbers are real stories of perseverance and hope. The growing lines at distributions highlight the persistent challenges faced by many in our community, reinforcing our commitment to providing not just food, but stability and dignity to every neighbor we serve. This work is a testament to the power of neighbors helping neighbors, proving that together, we can overcome hunger and build a stronger, more connected community.

This progress stems from a combination of innovative strategies, process improvements, and a renewed focus on operations. Significant improvements in our freezer operations have allowed us to better store and distribute perishable items. We have also partnered with organizations to channel bulk products more effectively, ensuring they reach the right distribution channels. At the same time, mobile pantries have become a critical resource, allowing us to deliver food quicker to neighbors in need. Programs like our BackPack Program have doubled in size, and our warehouse team now operates on a streamlined schedule—pulling orders in the morning and reserving afternoons for cleaning and other essential tasks.

One of the most visible changes is our focus on warehouse cleanliness. Dusty pallets, once a sign of stagnant inventory, are now a thing of the past. Clean shelves mean food is moving, and neighbors are being served faster. This efficiency is particularly critical during a time when food insecurity has surged to record levels in our service area, affecting 132,240 individuals, or 10.5% of the population.

These achievements are even more remarkable considering the challenges we face with our current facility. With only two usable loading docks and limited storage space—40% less than the average food bank in Virginia—our team has had to innovate to overcome these constraints. Despite these hurdles, we have worked tirelessly to make the most of what we have, hiring additional warehouse staff and creating new roles like a dedicated Receiver to enhance productivity.

This progress would not have been possible without the support of a consultant who helped us refine our operations. Their feedback—that we are one of their favorite food banks to work with due to our proactive approach—has been both validating and motivating.

Looking ahead, we recognize that our current facility limits our ability to expand further, both in terms of capacity and the support we can provide to partner agencies. However, this year’s achievements demonstrate our resilience and determination to overcome challenges. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and partnership, we are confident in our ability to continue improving and serving our community at an even greater scale.

Despite the early obstacle, we celebrated an exciting achievement with our first successful peanut harvest. For three days, dozens of dedicated volunteers joined us in the field to harvest peanuts grown on Barnes’ side of the farm. Using the traditional “shocking method,” volunteers carefully stacked the sun-cured peanuts on stakes to dry, preserving a farming technique rarely seen today. The process is labor-intensive but rewarding, connecting volunteers to the history of peanut farming in Virginia.

The harvested peanuts were sold through Hubbard Peanut Company, where each can provides two meals for neighbors in need. This effort not only highlights the impact of Izzie’s Field but also reflects the spirit of collaboration and creativity that drives our mission forward.

Farming at Izzie’s Field is more than planting and harvesting; it is about growth—both in the soil and in our understanding. Each season brings new challenges and triumphs, motivating us to innovate, improve, and deepen our commitment to the community. Izzie’s Field is a space where neighbors, volunteers, and partners come together to create a brighter, healthier future.

This year, we focused on empowering our partner agencies to manage a greater share of pickups. Thanks to the Retail Agency Capacity Grant (RAC2) funded by Feeding America and the Walmart Foundation, agencies received critical resources like trucks, refrigeration units, and storage to expand their capacity. This transformative grant increased agency-enabled pickups from 40% to an impressive 90%.

This shift has created ripple effects throughout the program. By allowing agencies to collect food directly, it gets to their shelves—and to neighbors—faster, minimizing food waste and maximizing freshness. Agencies schedule pickups to align with their regular distribution times, ensuring that perishable items with short shelf lives are used efficiently. For the Foodbank, this means fewer resources spent on transportation and more focus on other areas that need high attention. For instance, the flexibility created by increased agency pickups at one time allowed us to act quickly and collect 75,000 pounds of protein in a single instance, an opportunity we would have had to decline otherwise.

The RAC2 grant also reinforced the importance of capacity building, a focus the Foodbank is committed to maintaining. Strengthening agency infrastructure not only supports our current efforts but also positions us to seize future opportunities as new retailers establish a presence in the area. Expanding these relationships is key to the continued growth of the Retail Rescue program, offering exciting possibilities for further impact.

This year, we introduced a new opportunity for volunteers to play an essential role in the program as Foodbank-approved drivers. These individuals, trained in food safety, step in to fill gaps when partner agencies cannot manage pickups. Their contributions are invaluable, ensuring that no opportunity to rescue food is missed.

The Retail Rescue program represents one of the Foodbank’s most significant opportunities for growth. By transforming surplus food into a resource for neighbors in need, we are not only reducing food waste but also building stronger communities. The potential for this program is vast, and with the support of our partners and donors, we are determined to make the most of it.

This year’s batch carried extra significance, as it was grown on Izzie’s Field, a Foodbank program dedicated to growing food for the community. The field reflects a collaboration that preserves agricultural traditions while addressing food insecurity. Volunteers played a crucial role in the initiative, assisting with the harvest and ensuring the peanuts reached the hands of those who need them most. The peanuts were so popular that they sold out completely.

“We are incredibly grateful for the partnership between Hubs and the Foodbank, and for the dedication of individuals like Elisha Barnes.” said Foodbank President and CEO Christopher Tan. “More and more, we are finding our communities in need of connection. And food has served as a primary source of connection throughout human history. Through initiatives like this one, we are preserving traditions, ensuring neighbors have access to nutritious food and selling some amazing tasting peanuts. But, most importantly, we are fostering connections to our community, to each other, and to the common purpose of helping our neighbors in need. Because that is what good neighbors do.”

The limited-edition peanuts are available on Hubs’ website for nation-wide shipping and locally at The Hubs Vine (1459 Armory Drive, Franklin).

The Foodbank continues to leverage its industry relationships to source high-quality, nutritious products that directly benefit the families served through this program. In addition, CHKD volunteers have become an integral part of the initiative, assembling food bags with care and compassion at our facility, highlighting the power of collaboration in tackling food insecurity.

“Food insecurity is a significant issue that can have a negative effect on the overall well-being of our patients and families. We are excited to partner with Rite Aid Healthy Futures and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore to further the reach of our Family Nutrition Program,” says Kate Ryan, Philanthropy Officer at CHKD.

Christopher Tan, President and CEO of the Foodbank, underscores the importance of this collaboration, stating, “By targeting food insecurity in our youngest population, we prevent long-term health disparities, empowering children to grow, learn, and thrive without the burden of hunger. We have the power to ensure every child has a chance to flourish and reach their full potential.”

With a shared vision of building healthier, more equitable neighborhoods, this initiative continues to address hunger and food insecurity for vulnerable children and their families, building a foundation for a brighter future for generations to come.

The quality of the products provided through TEFAP is a standout feature of the program. Neighbors regularly rave about items like fish sticks, cheese, and eggs, with many eagerly asking about their availability if they are out of stock. This speaks to the importance of not only providing food but also ensuring that it meets the expectations and needs of those we serve.

Another key feature of TEFAP is that the amount of food allocated increases with the number of people served. This means every meal distributed and every neighbor reached helps secure even more food in the future. To ensure compliance and track impact, mobile pantry operations require trained volunteers to administer self-declared income eligibility (SDI). These volunteers are critical, not only for enabling mobile pantry growth but also for ensuring that the USDA’s requirements are met.

This is where you can help. Volunteering with the Foodbank as an SDI administrator is a truly special opportunity. Volunteers receive training on SDI administration and civil rights and have the chance to form meaningful connections with the neighbors we serve. Whether listening to their stories or witnessing the tangible difference the Foodbank’s work makes, volunteers gain invaluable insight into our community. Mobile pantries, which happen monthly, often require three to eight volunteers, making recurring volunteers essential for consistency. Without them, this program simply could not operate.

Looking ahead, the Foodbank is focused on expanding TEFAP’s reach, particularly among our partner agencies, to ensure even more neighbors have access to nutritious, high-quality food. By growing this program, we can continue to strengthen our community partnerships and make meaningful strides toward ending hunger in our region.

Understanding these challenges, the Foodbank has worked to bring solutions directly to the residents by expanding our mobile pantry program. Thanks to two critical grants—the TEFAP Reach and Resiliency Grant Initiative and the Eastern Shore Mobile Food Distribution Project, secured by former Rep. Elaine Luria as part of Congress’ Community Project Funding—we have been able to significantly enhance our reach. These grants provided vital funding to purchase food, vehicles, and hire staff, making it possible to meet the needs of more families across the Shore.

Before these investments, mobile pantry operations on the Shore were limited to just three locations, primarily serving the same neighborhoods. Today, that number has expanded to twelve strategically placed sites in food deserts—areas with little to no access to grocery stores or partner agencies. Many of these locations cater specifically to seniors, a population that faces unique challenges such as limited mobility, fixed incomes, and health concerns that make regular access to nutritious food critical for their well-being. Additionally, one site plays a crucial role in serving migrant communities, which are an essential part of the Shore’s agricultural workforce.

Mobile pantries have become the cornerstone of hunger relief on the Shore, offering the only viable way to ensure families have access to nutritious food. For many residents who cannot travel to our warehouse for assistance, these distributions are a lifeline, bringing essential support directly to their communities. At the five newest locations alone, nearly 800 people have been registered, underscoring the growing demand and success of the program.

Looking ahead, the Foodbank remains committed to sustaining and expanding our efforts. To ensure reliable access to food when grant support ends, we have begun offering both USDA and non-USDA products at our food distributions. Since nearly everyone qualifies for USDA assistance, this approach allows us to maximize available resources while continuing to serve our neighbors with a variety of nutritious options. By doing so, we can better reach deeper into Accomack County and other underserved areas that continue to face barriers to fresh, healthy food—a goal we are committed to pursuing as we work to expand our impact in the years ahead.

The Eastern Shore is more than just a rural landscape; it is a place where neighbors helping neighbors is a way of life, defined by hard work, pride, and an unwavering sense of togetherness. Agriculture, aquaculture, and the service industry form the backbone of the local economy, but their seasonal and weather-dependent nature can create financial instability for many families. Despite these challenges, generosity flourishes here. Many who receive assistance are also among our donors—whether it is a woman donating eggs from her backyard chickens or a man bringing in bags of chili peppers from his thriving garden. These simple yet profound gestures embody the deep-rooted spirit of giving that connects the community.

As we continue our work, we remain inspired by the resilience of the Eastern Shore and its people. Here, neighbors take care of one another, ensuring that no one goes hungry. With continued support, the Foodbank will be there—serving, supporting, and strengthening those we serve.

The scene at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater was both humbling and inspiring. A seemingly endless line of cars snaked through the parking lot, a visual reminder of the challenges so many face. As vehicles reached the front, the line split into four lanes to streamline the process, with volunteers and staff working tirelessly to ensure efficiency and care. Despite our best efforts, the demand was so great that we had to turn people away more than an hour before the distribution ended, underscoring the pressing need for food assistance in our region.

Since the series began in December 2020, a clear trend emerged: the lines grew longer with each distribution. Spanning all seasons and often in partnership with the City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services, these fifteen distributions highlighted the critical role of community collaboration in addressing food insecurity. The final event on December 12 was a powerful reminder of why we continue to push forward—because no one should have to leave empty-handed.

“Food insecurity has the potential to harm college students’ ability to achieve their educational and professional goals,” says Christopher Tan, President and CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. “This partnership brings together the expertise and resources of the Foodbank with the localized understanding and proximity of the TCC community, creating a more efficient and targeted approach to address the unique challenges of college students struggling with food insecurity.”

The impact of such initiatives is clear. During the 2023 school year, students enrolled in Food-2-Finish, a program supporting food-insecure students, achieved a 13% higher GPA and an impressive 96% re-enrollment rate, compared to just 63% for non-participants.

“At TCC, we prioritize student success which includes helping our students identify and eliminate barriers,” says Dr. Marcia Conston, TCC President. “The Free Market at TCC ensures that our students receive meals, nonperishable food, and fresh fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

With the evolution of The Free Market at TCC, the Foodbank and TCC continue their commitment to ensuring that no student has to choose between hunger and education, empowering them to succeed both academically and personally.

Community members and patients can shop once a week, providing them with regular access to fresh and nutritious food at no cost. In addition, the food hub aims to address nutritional needs through educational programming. This holistic approach recognizes the connection between food access, dietary patterns, and overall health.

In the first four months of operation, The Community Feed at Berkley received 436 referrals from Sentara Health, serving individuals across all age groups—from children as young as five to seniors aged 65 and older.

This collaborative effort signifies a step forward in creating an inclusive and supportive environment where health and nutrition go hand in hand. We express our gratitude to Sentara Health for their vision and partnership, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact of The Community Feed at Berkley on the health and vitality of the community it serves.

The idea for this initiative emerged when Hope House Foundation, an organization providing support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, identified food insecurity as a pressing issue within the community. With grant funding initially secured through LISC, Hope House partnered with the Foodbank to bring the 757 Mobile Market to Market Heights, offering residents direct access to healthy food without the barriers of transportation or cost.

When the initial funding expired, the need for a sustainable solution became clear. In May 2024, Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas stepped in with financial support from Lawson Lends a Hand to continue the initiative. Their commitment has allowed the Foodbank to maintain monthly food distributions exclusively for Market Heights residents. To participate, residents simply provide their building and unit number—ensuring a dignified and accessible experience.

The success of this partnership highlights the potential of sponsored mobile market sites as a sustainable solution to addressing food insecurity in high-need communities. By working alongside organizations dedicated to community well-being, we can continue to expand food access in innovative and impactful ways.

Three Foodbank partner agencies were selected to participate in the pilot phase, which ran from April 1 to June 30, each committing to implementing or expanding at least one practice in either the Food Availability or Neighbor-Centered categories.

Food Availability

Foods offered meet the unique dietary needs of neighbors facing hunger

• Offer items from each of the five food groups (fruits, vegetables, protein, grains, and dairy)
• Offer fresh fruits and vegetables
• Offer food choices that address specific chronic disease or dietary needs
• Offer foods to meet cultural/religious needs of neighbors

Neighbor Centered

Barriers are removed so that neighbors facing hunger can access the foods they need to thrive

• Enable neighbors to choose which types of food they would like from the pantry
• Collect neighbor feedback on pantry services and utilize when making organizational decisions
• Serve neighbors on evenings and/or weekends
• Address transportation barriers in at least one way
• Have materials, resources, or processes for serving non-English speakers
• Serve anyone in need of food assistance, regardless of location, etc.
• Make accommodations for people with all physical and mental abilities
• Support a culturally inclusive and welcoming environment

The selection of these three agencies was guided by their strong interest in implementing healthy pantry practices. During the three-month pilot period, these agencies worked to assess their current practices and identify areas for improvement. They communicated their needs, which ranged from infrastructure enhancements to tailored print materials to better serve Spanish-speaking populations. Through this process, the agencies received the support and resources necessary to bring their vision of a healthier, more inclusive pantry to life.

One of our partner agencies shared how this tool has transformed their approach to ordering:
“The HER rating has helped me make better decisions on what I order… I’m better equipped to do the best for our neighbors.”

And the numbers tell a story of progress. In the past year, 65% of the food brought into our warehouse fell into the Choose Always tier—food rich in essential nutrients and low in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar. On the distribution side, 61% of the food that made its way to our neighbors carried the same high ranking, reinforcing our commitment to providing healthier options across our service area.

Additionally, the percentage of food in the Choose Sometimes tier accounted for 21% of the food coming into our warehouse and 17% of the food distributed to our neighbors. Meanwhile, food in the Choose Rarely tier remained steady at 7% for both incoming and outgoing food, demonstrating our commitment to minimizing less healthy options while maintaining balance and variety for those we serve.

While we celebrate these successes, we also recognize the importance of continuous improvement. Some food items such as mixed boxes of produce, diabetic food boxes, or culturally-responsive food boxes fall into a classification of Assorted, Not Ranked due to their varied contents, accounting for 12% of the food distributed. However, we remain dedicated to refining our processes and finding new ways to ensure that healthy, nutritious food reaches those who need it most.

Looking ahead, the Foodbank will continue using the HER nutrition ranking guidelines to steer purchasing decisions, inform food sourcing strategies, and empower our staff and partner agencies with the tools they need to make healthier choices for our community. By prioritizing nutritious food and offering access to critical data, we are not just feeding our neighbors; we are fueling a healthier tomorrow.

One of the ways we achieve this is through our donor acknowledgment letters, which are updated quarterly to keep our messages current and meaningful. These letters are distributed each time a donor makes a gift, allowing us to personally connect with supporters, express our gratitude, and highlight the tangible impact of their generosity. Our goal is to keep donors informed and inspired, reinforcing how vital their contributions are in the fight against hunger.

Timeliness is also a top priority. We strive to send acknowledgements within two weeks of receiving a gift, ensuring that our appreciation is felt promptly. This quick turnaround reinforces our commitment to transparency and reinforces the donor’s vital role in our mission.

In addition, our President and CEO, Christopher Tan, takes a hands-on approach to donor appreciation by sending personalized notes each month. On average, he writes more than 300 heartfelt messages, recognizing the generosity of individuals, corporations, and organizations alike. We are incredibly fortunate to have a leader who values the importance of gratitude and takes the time to personally connect with those who support our mission. These personal touches go a long way in strengthening relationships and building a culture of appreciation that sets us apart in a challenging fundraising environment.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of nonprofit fundraising, we recognize that meaningful connections with our supporters are more important than ever. Your generosity fuels our mission, and we invite you to continue standing with us in the fight against hunger.

Legislative Priorities with the Virginia Food Access Coalition

As part of the Virginia Food Access Coalition, we advocated for several critical legislative priorities during the 2024 General Assembly session. Our efforts helped secure important wins, including:

• Increased support for the Virginia Food Access Investment Program Fund
• Protection of funding for the Virginia Fresh Match Program
• State administrative funding for Summer EBT implementation (SUN Bucks)

While we achieved significant progress, some efforts fell short but remain ongoing, including securing a minimum $50 monthly SNAP benefit for seniors, advocating for a Medicaid 1115 waiver for reimbursable nutrition support, and expanding free school meal programs. Our commitment to these initiatives remains steadfast as we continue to push for policy changes that benefit our most vulnerable neighbors.

Addressing the Benefits Cliff

In partnership with Delegates Jackie Glass and Anne Ferrell Tata, as well as Goodwill, we introduced HB1426 – Dynamic Benefit Adjustment System. This bill was designed to address the “benefits cliff” that many low-income families face when modest income increases result in a disproportionate loss of critical assistance.

The benefits cliff creates a cycle where families who begin earning more experience a sharp reduction in critical public assistance. As support for essentials like housing, food, and childcare diminishes rapidly, many find themselves struggling to meet their basic needs despite increased earnings. HB1426 proposed a more balanced approach, ensuring that benefit reductions align more gradually with income growth, supporting long-term financial stability and self-sufficiency.

Although the bill successfully passed out of the House Health and Human Services Committee, it was ultimately tabled in the Appropriations Committee. Despite this setback, we are committed to continuing advocacy efforts to bring this important legislation back for future consideration.

Canstruction

Canstruction is a unique charity art exhibition in which architectural, construction, and engineering teams compete to see who can best defy the laws of gravity by creating structures assembled from canned food. Once the structures have been judged, all food from the competition is donated to the Foodbank.

FM99 and 106.9 The Fox 26th Annual Mayflower Marathon

In 1997, 106.9 The Fox initiated the Mayflower Marathon to support local food banks and address the pressing needs of our neighbors during the holiday season. The event’s impact grew even stronger in 2008 when The Fox’s sister station, FM99, joined forces to make the Marathon even more substantial. The stations boast an incredibly generous and community-minded listening audience, and by promoting the event on both platforms, they knew they could significantly increase the number of donations and illuminate the holidays with hope. This round-the-clock food and fund drive takes place on the weekend before Thanksgiving every year. Supporters are encouraged to drive through one of our two locations where volunteers are on hand to accept donations.

Hunger Heroes

This initiative encourages any group of people – local businesses, community organizations, sports teams, families, etc. – to join forces and demonstrate their commitment to fighting food insecurity through a friendly yet impactful competition of fundraising, food drives, and volunteerism.

NALC Stamp Out Hunger

The National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is an annual event that mobilizes communities across the nation to help combat hunger. Every second Saturday in May, letter carriers collect non-perishable food donations left by residents near their mailboxes. These generous contributions go directly to local food banks and pantries, supporting individuals and families struggling with hunger. This food comes at a crucial time as it helps address the heightened demand for food assistance during the summer months.

Hops for Hunger

Just in time for Hunger Action Month, Hops for Hunger partners with local breweries to collect donations for our neighbors in need. At participating locations, $1 from each pour of their featured brew is donated to the Foodbank.