Rockbridge Area Relief Association

09/22/2026

A recent statewide study found that 1 in 3 people in the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank's service area (which includes RARA) are food insecure. We're seeing those results here in Rockbridge, with a 19% increase in monthly visits to our Neighborhood Grocery compared to 2025.

Food insecurity is a statewide issue, but the impact is local. Together, we can make sure our neighbors have access to the food they need to thrive.

We have new data about food insecurity in the Blue Ridge. 🌄

The 2026 Virginia Hunger Study surveyed more than 5,600 Virginians in May 2026, using the most reliable tools available to gain a deeper understanding of hunger in our region.

Here’s what you should know:

🟧 1 in 3 people in our service area is food insecure.

🟧 1 in 3 children is food insecure.

🟧 1 in 4 parents are often unable to feed their children a balanced meal because they can't afford it.

🟧 1 in 3 food-insecure households include an older adult.

These findings are striking, but they’re not surprising. They reflect a reality we’ve already been seeing across our service area and illustrate the crucial importance of a strong food assistance network.

Thank you to our collaborators: NORC at the University of Chicago, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, all 7 food bank members, The Virginia Department of Social Services, Virginia Tech, and No Kid Hungry Virginia.

09/05/2026

RARA has power, and we still plan to open our Neighborhood Grocery from 10am-12pm today if you need food. However, we encourage you to stay off the roads if you can wait, as there are still many trees down in Lexington and houses without power. We hope all of our neighbors are safe and thank everyone for the work they are doing right now.

RARA todavía tiene luz y mantenemos nuestro plan de abrir la Tienda Comunitaria hoy de 10am-12pm si necesita comida. No obstante, le recomendamos evitar circular por las calles si puede esperar, ya que todavía hay muchos árboles caídos en Lexington y viviendas sin luz. Esperamos que todos nuestros vecinos se encuentren bien y agradecemos a todos el esfuerzo que están haciendo ahora mismo.

09/04/2026

RARA will be closed Monday in celebration of Labor Day. Our Neighborhood Grocery is open Saturday 9/5 from 10am-12pm and again on Wednesday 9/9 from 1:30-4:30pm. We will resume applications for Housing Support and Utilities Assistance on Tuesday 9/8 at 9:30am. You can also visit www.raralex.org to request an upcoming food pick-up or start an application for assistance. We wish you all a safe and happy long weekend!

RARA estará cerrado el lunes por el Día del Trabajo. Nuestra Tienda Comunitaria estará abierta el sábado 5/9 de 10am-12pm y nuevamente el miércoles 9/9 de 1:30-4:30pm. Reanudaremos las solicitudes de Apoyo de Vivienda y Asistencia con los Servicios Públicos el martes 8/9 a las 9:30am. También puede visitar www.raralex.org para solicitar una recogida de alimentos o iniciar una solicitud de asistencia. ¡Les deseamos a todos un feliz y seguro fin de semana largo!

08/29/2026

It’s a beautiful day for the Rockbridge Community Festival!

08/26/2026

Voting is now open for The News-Gazette, Lexington, Va's Best of Rockbridge 2026! RARA has been nominated for BEST COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION, and we'd love to have your support.

You may vote DAILY until September 23rd and must vote in at least 3 different categories each time you vote. Follow the link below to show your support!

https://thenews-gazette.revfluent.com/bestof/og/yrel0yj7pz/ympndj0nq1

08/19/2026

Thank you, Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath and Alleghany, for all you do to support RARA and our entire community!

08/17/2026

We were honored to receive a donation from TJ Maxx at their grand opening yesterday towards our Housing Support program!

08/12/2026

Thank you to our newest Business Partner, Lex Running Shop, for their commitment to the health and well-being of our community!

To learn more about our Business Partner program, visit www.raralex.org/businesspartners.

07/16/2026

1 in 2 households struggle to afford diapers. To address this need locally, our summer interns are organizing a community-wide diaper drive from July 15th to August 13th. Help us ensure that families have access to diapers by leaving a donation outside of RARA, at a supporting location, or contributing at www.raralex.org/donate. We accept all sizes and open packages!

Supporting locations include Rockbridge Regional Libraries, Earth, Fire, and Spirit Pottery, Pronto Gelateria, Pure Eats Lexington, Hull's Drive-In, Yellow Brick Road Early Learning Center, Straws BV, and Asunder Coffee Roastery & Cafe.

07/15/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing yesterday of RARA board member and long-time supporter, Jim Kvach.

Jim worked tirelessly to create a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone who visits RARA, and his handiwork can be found throughout our building. Perhaps his greatest impact, however, was in the thousands of pounds of fresh produce he grew, harvested, and donated to our Neighborhood Grocery every year.

We were honored to dedicate our produce section to Jim this spring, and we know his legacy will live on, not only in our work, but in the countless neighbors who will continue to benefit from his generosity. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jim's family and all who knew and loved him.

https://www.thenews-gazette.com/obituaries/2837,jim-kvach