| Dear Foodbank Friend,
After having the honor of leading this organization for the past two years, I am so proud of the incredible journey we have embarked upon together. Last year was particularly noteworthy, as we achieved a significant milestone by distributing a record-breaking 21 million pounds of food. While this accomplishment underscores our collective determination, it also serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need in our community. The realization that the demand for our work far outpaces our achievements fuels our commitment to do more. As we begin to wrap up another fiscal year, our focus has been clear — to deliver more food, more efficiently, ensuring that it is not only abundant but also nourishing. Healthy food options have become a priority, constituting more than 70% of the food we distribute. We are dedicated to promoting well-being, helping our neighbors access nutritious meals, and guiding them toward self-sufficiency. You’ll read more about these efforts and particularly about the recent opening of two new program sites: The Free Market at TCC and The Community Feed at Berkley. Both sites follow a client choice model, providing our neighbors with the dignity of selecting food items that suit their preferences and dietary needs. This not only fosters a sense of empowerment but also ensures that healthier food options are accessible to all. Your commitment to our mission has been the driving force behind these accomplishments, and I am honored to be part of this compassionate community. I have one more request, though. Summer, a season of joy and relaxation for many, brings challenges for those facing food insecurity. With school closures and increased child care needs, the absence of meal programs leaves many families struggling to put food on the table. During this same time, our donations of food and funds decline dramatically. Your continued support during these warmer months will be crucial. It will allow us to provide sustenance when school closures disrupt access to essential meals for many. Your kindness echoes through every nutritious meal provided and every life positively impacted. As we navigate the challenges of the upcoming summer months, I am confident that your continued support will be a source of comfort for those facing food insecurity. Thank you for being an integral part of the Foodbank family. With tremendous gratitude,
Christopher Tan
How We Fight Hunger, Near and Far These grants have facilitated the extension of mobile distributions into new locations, ensuring that both USDA and purchased products are made available to communities in need. In total, five new sites are serving an impressive 570 additional households per month, thanks to the strategic placement of our mobile pantries. Our decision to expand into these specific areas was guided by a careful assessment of service gaps throughout our footprint on the Eastern Shore. We identified regions that were considerably distant from us or our partner agencies, coupled with a high percentage of poverty and Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households. This prioritization has allowed us to bring vital resources to those who need them most. Looking ahead, our goal is to establish three more sites, continuing our mission to extend a helping hand to every corner of the Eastern Shore. We are grateful for the ongoing support that enables us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity in our community.
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Food Sets the Stage for a Promising Future As part of the grand unveiling, a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on February 26 symbolized the official launch of The Free Market at TCC, located at 300 Granby Street in Norfolk. This partnership brings together the expertise and resources of the Foodbank with the localized understanding and proximity of the TCC community. It creates a more efficient and targeted approach to address the unique challenges of college students struggling with food insecurity, allowing them to achieve their educational and professional goals. *Please note that The Free Market is exclusively for TCC students. If you need food assistance, visit www.foodbankonline.org to find resources near you.
Take a Look: How Hard Work Pays Off As they navigate this expansion, the program is expected to realize tangible benefits, resulting in savings and increased food inventory. However, the challenge of limited freezer and refrigerated space persists. The Foodbank hopes to collaborate and support their efforts to build capacity, allowing them to serve even more individuals in need. The Isle of Wight Christian Outreach Program’s dedication to maximizing resources and efficiency is truly commendable. We appreciate their hard work and look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will continue to make within the community.
Spending Less, Saving More for Neighbors
Meet Abe, a Dedicated Friend of the Foodbank Born and raised in New York, Abe’s life took an adventurous turn when he left the city at the age of 18. His summers were spent working in the mountains, and soon after, he joined the Air Force, embarking on a journey that would take him to Texas, Illinois, upstate New York, and Puerto Rico. Little did he know that life had more surprises in store for him. In 1965, Abe married his wife, Natalie, someone he had known since high school. Their love story, ignited on the subway years after graduation, paints a vivid picture of fate’s timing. Reflecting on the chance subway encounter, Abe humorously contemplates the alternate paths his life could have taken if he had been just 30 seconds earlier or later. The couple spent 25 years in Syracuse, New York, raising two children. In 1995, their children migrated to Virginia, and the Formans followed suit in 2000 after Abe’s retirement from a distinguished career as the Director of Logistics for Carrier Corporation. Abe’s retirement didn’t mark the end of his adventures. His passion for boating led him to the picturesque Chesapeake Bay, where weekends were spent cruising the waters and enjoying all-you-can-eat blue crab at his favorite spots in Crisfield, Maryland. Alongside boating, his love for travel has taken him on 31 cruises, showcasing his love for new cultures and destinations. With six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Abe’s life is rich with joy, and his weekly routine is a testament to his energetic spirit. Gym sessions, volunteering at the Foodbank, shooting with friends, and quality family time on weekends keep him on the move. In the kitchen, he plays sous chef to his wife, Natalie, the culinary maestro, as they whip up delicious meals and desserts together. In 2014, Abe felt the call to give back, and he found his way to the Foodbank. Starting in the Neighborhood Marketplace, he transitioned to the Sorting Room before settling into data entry. His dedication to helping the community shines through, particularly in his involvement with MealConnect — an online platform connecting surplus food to those in need. Abe’s favorite aspect of volunteering is the camaraderie. For him, it’s about connecting with fellow volunteers, staff, and, most importantly, contributing to a cause that benefits his neighbors. With a twinkle in his eye, Abe emphasizes that volunteering keeps his brain sharp and fulfills him in ways words can’t capture. Every Tuesday, you can find Abe grabbing lunch with Jeff, the Foodbank’s Product Sourcing Manager. Their shared love for subs, fried chicken, burgers, and cheesesteaks has become a delightful tradition, adding another layer of friendship to Abe’s Foodbank journey. As we celebrate Abe’s 10th anniversary in June, we extend our deepest gratitude for his nearly 2,000 volunteer hours and the immeasurable impact he’s had on the Foodbank community. His personable nature and infectious sense of humor make him a beloved figure among those fortunate enough to know him, and the Foodbank is equally enriched by his dedicated presence.
Meeting Demand in Underserved Communities The Community Feed is strategically located adjacent to Sentara’s Care Clinic, providing a unified space where individuals can access medical, behavioral health, and social support services alongside fresh and nutritious foods. It is designed to resemble a small grocery store where individuals can choose the items that best suit their dietary needs, offering a dignified experience for our neighbors. Community members and patients can shop once a week, providing them with regular access to fresh and nutritious foods 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. 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. Here’s How You Can Be a Hunger Hero! How to Compete: For more information on how to become a Hunger Hero, visit foodbankonline.org/hunger-heroes or call 757-644-4432. |
