The Foodbank Responds to Government Shutdown with Expanded Resources and Services

Foodbank Leverages $50,000 USAA Grant to Assist Coast Guard Members and Furloughed Employees

Norfolk, VA—January 18, 2019 — The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore today announced expanded distribution days and hours at their primary Distribution Center at 800 Tidewater Drive in Norfolk in response to increased demand resulting from the government shutdown. Typically, the Foodbank distributes most of its nearly 15 million meals each year through community-based programs in their service area. However, in addition to food assistance provided in Norfolk on Friday mornings and at the Eastern Shore Branch on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it will now provide assistance in Norfolk on Monday and Friday (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and Thursday (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.). The expanded on-site food distribution hours will begin January 24 and remain in effect until February 28. Families in need will have access to fresh produce, lean protein, and non-perishable items, such as rice and pasta.

Although the Foodbank works to provide resources and services to food insecure children and families in Southeastern Virginia and on the Eastern Shore each day, several organizations have requested increased support from the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, including the Travel Security Administration (TSA) Union, Virginia Maritime Association, and the Norfolk Airport Authority for employees that have been temporarily impacted by the shutdown.

“We are well equipped to assist furloughed employees and their families in need as a result of the continued support of our generous donors”, said Ruth Jones Nichols, CEO, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. “We are fortunate to have additional resources that enable us to extend our service delivery model to food insecure families who would not typically find themselves in our lines.”

In September 2018, USAA donated $50,000 to the Foodbank to provide resources to families impacted by Hurricane Florence, which was later downgraded; or to assist with future emergency services for natural disasters. The Foodbank will leverage this donation to support Coast Guard members, in particular, as well as TSA and FAA workers.

“Members of the Coast Guard, and other military personnel, have been some of our most loyal volunteer partners in our efforts to eliminate hunger in Southeastern Virginia and on the Eastern Shore, said Jones Nichols. “Through this donation, we are able to honor USAA’s commitment to military service members, while also serving those who have so willingly served our families in need.”

The government shutdown has created an even larger problem for families who are already food insecure—which is a disaster the Foodbank works to fight every day. To support the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore during the shutdown, please consider making monetary contributions or donating the following items:

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

Press Release Media Contact:

Kelli Webb, The KBD Group
kelliwebb@thekbdgroup.com
(757) 606-0281