Economy puts strain on
food banks

NORFOLK, Va. - The Federation of Virginia Food Banks will ask the Virginia General Assembly to support a $1 million Emergency Food Purchase Program to help Virginia's seven food banks in the face of unprecedented need.

Virginia food banks and their 2,800 partner agencies are experiencing daily increases in demand for assistance due to rising unemployment, higher food prices and an overall slow economy. Requests for help have risen by 20 to 30 percent in the last year-and-a-half. Those asking for help include the working poor, children and the ever-growing senior population living on fixed incomes. The $1 million Emergency Food Purchase Program could provide more than 671,000 additional pounds of food to needy families.

"We realize that major cuts have already been made in the Commonwealth of Virginia and that the budget is facing a major deficit," said Leslie Van Horn, Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. "However, we owe it to the children and families in Virginia to help them during these challenging times. Our seven food banks are attempting to meet the demands through the generosity of companies and donors, but we are hopeful that our state government can assist us as well. Now, more than ever, we need the support of the Governor and our legislators to assist those in need."

Virginia food banks are able to provide assistance to people in need through donations from food manufacturers and retailers, food drives, food commodities from the federal government and monetary donations from individuals, businesses, foundations and civic groups. With continually climbing food prices, food companies have fewer surpluses and are often unable to donate as they have in the past.

Recognizing the significance of this legislative and budgetary effort, the Federation has secured the services of McGuireWoods Consulting, the public affairs arm of McGuireWoods LLP. McGuireWoods Consulting will be providing government relations, strategic communications and lobbying services on a pro bono basis for the Federation through the end of 2009. Food banks are expecting the need to only increase heading into next year. The cold months are tough for struggling families, as they have to make choices between paying heating bills and utilities and buying food.

More than 26 states in the country support their food banks, including North Carolina, Georgia and New Jersey.