
Join the Foodbank as we discuss the root causes of hunger in our community.
On March 5, 2019, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore will once again bring together leaders from throughout the region for the 2019 Hunger Summit.
In the 11 cities and counties the Foodbank serves, the meal gap hovers at over 28 million meals. With the help of our partner agencies and meal distribution programs, the Foodbank is able to provide almost 15 million of those meals. But the gap is still there and it is large.
In order to make systematic and sustainable change in our community, it is imperative we address not only the symptoms of hunger and food insecurity, but the roots that have taken hold. Now is the time for our community leaders committed in the work of nourishing the hungry and food insecure to better understand the root causes of hunger, and how we as a community can best address them.
Admission to the Hunger Summit is free. Ticket prices for the Pillars of Promise Awards Luncheon are $45 per person/$25 per person for agency partners. Table sponsorship available for $500- contact dhansley@foodbankonline.org if interested.
Schedule of the Day
8:00-8:30 a.m. Registration and Coffee
8:30-9:30 a.m. Opening Session
9:40-10:30 a.m. Breakout Session One
10:40-11:30 a.m. Breakout Session Two
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Pillars of Promise Awards Luncheon
1:30-3:00 p.m. Hunger and Poverty Simulation (optional)
Opening Session:
Individuals do not simply wake up one morning and begin to worry about how they will put food on their tables. Generally, they become food insecure over a period of time due to choices, circumstances or the context in which they live. During this session, community leaders from Hampton Roads will share diverse perspectives about how earned income, affordable housing, early childhood education and federal safety-net programs can be combined with charitable food assistance to effectively address the root causes of hunger and food insecurity. This engaging session will include an interactive Q&A that enables audience participation in creative problem-solving focused on eliminating hunger – today and tomorrow.
Presenters:
Dr. Ruth T. Jones Nichols, Chief Executive Officer
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore
Shawn Avery, President and CEO
Hampton Roads Workforce Council
(formerly Opportunity Inc. of Hampton Roads)
Tracey Snipes, Executive Director
Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority
Dr. Jane Elyce Glasgow, Executive Director
Minus 9 to 5
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Pamela Little-Hill, Director
Portsmouth Department of Social Services
Breakout Session Topics:
During the online registration process, you will select the two sessions you would most like to attend. If a session reaches capacity, you will be assigned to another session at check-in.
Hunger Simulation:
The “Food for a Week” Hunger Simulation will enable participants to get a glimpse of what it is like to make decisions as a person living with chronic hunger and food insecurity. Participants will be challenged to obtain enough food to feed a family for a week. The goal of the simulation is to provide an experiential, educational opportunity that explores issues of food access and availability.
The Hunger Simulation will begin at 1:30pm, following the Pillars of Promise Luncheon. All Summit and Luncheon attendees are welcome to attend.
Pillars of Promise Awards Luncheon

During the Pillars of Promise Award Luncheon, we will recognize those that go the extra mile to help the Foodbank in its effort to eliminate hunger in our community.
Nominees Include:
“Lead” Category:
- Don and Lakeisha Carey
- Cheryl Speelman
- Norfolk/Portsmouth Bar Association- Legal Food Frenzy
“Feed” Category:
- Jean Blackburn, Southampton DSS
- Ercelle Drayton, Bascillica of St. Mary
- Tyson Foods
“Strengthen” Category:
- Armada Hoffler
- Dr. Matthew Dairman
- Leslie Urie
“Transform” Category:
- Dr. Mack Bonner
- Dr. Patricia Williams and Loretha Stills
- Paige Sturdifen
Ticket prices: $45 per person/$25 per person for agency partners. Table sponsorship available for $500.
Presenting Sponsor:

Hope Sponsor:

Pillar Sponsor:

Promise Sponsor:

Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities? Please contact Debbie Hansley at dhansley@foodbankonline.org. Download the Sponsorship Package here.