Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

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Blue Ridge Area Food Bank The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank serves 8 cities and 25 counties in central and western Virginia.

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that provides nutritious food to over 170,000 people on average each month through a far-reaching network of more than 400 community partners—food pantries, soup kitchens, schools, churches, and other nonprofit groups.

We often highlight our fresh produce and proteins, but shelf-stable groceries remain a core part of our distributions. S...
10/14/2026

We often highlight our fresh produce and proteins, but shelf-stable groceries remain a core part of our distributions. Shelf-stable products are especially important for community members who may not have consistent access to coolers and freezers. ❄

The boxes that these incredible volunteers are helping pack will be distributed at our Mobile Food Pantries, alongside boxes of produce.

Sign up for shelf-stable packing shifts on our website: www.brafb.org/get-involved/volunteer

Changes have come to our volunteer management team! 🙋Livia Marrs began her time at the Food Bank three years ago as volu...
10/13/2026

Changes have come to our volunteer management team! 🙋

Livia Marrs began her time at the Food Bank three years ago as volunteer manager in our Eastern and Southern Regions. She has helped shape our Volunteer Program, while forging strong connections with staff, volunteers, and supporters across our community. Last Friday marked her last day at the Food Bank, and we wish her a fond farewell and much happiness in her future adventures in Richmond.

At the same time, we are excited to welcome a new team member in Carl Grimm. Carl joins Jen Rafter, volunteer manager in the Western and Northern Regions, to co-lead our Volunteer Program. He brings a wealth of experience and warmth to the role.

Thank you to Liv, Carl, Jen, and all our volunteers for helping pave the way for a healthier, more nourished, future.

[Photo 1 (right to left, in order of appearance): Carl, Liv]

[Photo 2: Carl, Liv, Cathy Bagwell Marsh - director of development and community engagement]

"If I can make someone smile, that smile comes right back to me," Ed says.Originally from Maine, Ed has been a lifelong ...
10/09/2026

"If I can make someone smile, that smile comes right back to me," Ed says.

Originally from Maine, Ed has been a lifelong Red Sox fan and carries a bit of New England with him wherever he goes—including to UVA Health's Dialysis Clinic in Lynchburg, where he’s been receiving treatment for stage 5 kidney disease for the last 7 years.

While he’s there, he picks up groceries from an onsite Food Pharmacy, a Food Bank program, which provides free, kidney-friendly foods to help patients manage their conditions.

For Ed, the groceries help stretch the household budget while making it easier to access nutritious foods.

"It's always encouraging to receive these groceries," he reflects. "It's a blessing."

Despite the physical toll dialysis can take, Ed works hard to maintain a positive outlook and has developed close relationships with the clinic's doctors, nurses, his social worker, and dietitian. Their support, combined with access to healthy food, helps him stay focused on what matters most: taking things 1 day at a time and finding reasons to keep smiling.

"I don't give up. I do what I have to do."

Last week, representatives from 4 college food pantry partners in our service area joined our staff meeting for a discus...
10/08/2026

Last week, representatives from 4 college food pantry partners in our service area joined our staff meeting for a discussion about college hunger and the 2026 Virginia Hunger Study. 🎓

Thank you to Shannon Meade from Piedmont Virginia Community College, Daniel McCain from the University of Virginia (UVA Community Food Pantry), Jeremy Hawkins from James Madison University, and Ryan Brink from Washington and Lee University (Campus Kitchen at Washington and Lee University (CKWL)) for generously sharing their time, experience, and insights. 🧡

From September 15 to October 15, the Food Bank is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. 🌼We honor the culture and history...
10/07/2026

From September 15 to October 15, the Food Bank is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. 🌼

We honor the culture and history of our Hispanic and Latino neighbors, even as we recognize the increased barriers that many face to accessing nourishing food and good health.

According to the 2026 Virginia Hunger Study, 2 in 5 Virginians experience food insecurity. For Virginians with Hispanic and Latino ethnicities, this number is closer to 2 in 3.

Racism and discrimination, language and cultural barriers, and immigration challenges are among many reasons why Latino and Hispanic neighbors are more likely to experience food insecurity—this is unacceptable.

At the Food Bank, we believe that everyone should have enough to eat and that food security should not be affected by race or ethnicity. We stand with our Latino and Hispanic neighbors in our work to end hunger in the Blue Ridge.

What does food insecurity look like in the Blue Ridge? 🌄Last month, we shared findings from the 2026 Virginia Hunger Stu...
10/06/2026

What does food insecurity look like in the Blue Ridge? 🌄

Last month, we shared findings from the 2026 Virginia Hunger Study, a first-of-its-kind look at food insecurity in Virginia. Now, let’s take a deeper dive.

Click through these graphs to learn more. ➡️

Mamie is 90 years old and retired. She has been visiting her local Mobile Food Pantry for years with her son, who drives...
10/02/2026

Mamie is 90 years old and retired. She has been visiting her local Mobile Food Pantry for years with her son, who drives her each month.

Recently, there was a period she couldn’t come because she was “in and out of the hospital,” but she’s thankful to be back. As she said, “It helps me a lot when I don’t have to go to the store.”

She enjoys almost everything she gets from the pantry. She cooks regularly—beans in the slow cooker, chicken, fish, “whatever I have on hand.”

Even at 90, she still gets around her home well and cooks for herself. She lives alone, with her son visiting daily to help where needed.

Mamie talks kindly about the pantry staff, calling them “really nice and very helpful.” Her son agrees and points out how supportive the volunteers are every time they visit.

The Mobile Food Pantry helps her save money, eat well, and keep up with the routines she enjoys, like cooking at home and going to church. It also gives her and her son peace of mind.

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Do you or someone you know need access to free groceries? Visit: foodfinder.brafb.org.

Is Hunger Action Month over already?Thank you to everyone who did their part this month: Whether you donated, volunteere...
10/02/2026

Is Hunger Action Month over already?

Thank you to everyone who did their part this month: Whether you donated, volunteered, organized a drive, advocated, or got involved with our mission in other ways, you’ve made a tangible impact on our community. We appreciate you!

As many Virginians continue to face added pressures from rising costs and decreases in federal food assistance, it’s more important than ever that we connect our efforts to make sure that everyone has enough to eat.

Thank you for showing us what’s possible when we work together. 🧡

Congratulations to the winner of this year’s Coolest Pet Contest with the Shenandoah Valley Kiwanis Club, Maggie Leigh! ...
10/01/2026

Congratulations to the winner of this year’s Coolest Pet Contest with the Shenandoah Valley Kiwanis Club, Maggie Leigh! 🐶

Maggie Leigh recently found her fur-ever home, and is “paws down” the coolest pet, according to her new parents. This intelligent pup is an Australian shepherd and cattle dog mix with plenty of energy, a good attitude, and so much love to give. Congratulations, Maggie Leigh!

And thank you to everyone who participated this . You helped us raise an incredible $12,959 (over 38,877 meals!) towards our School Break Boxes program in the Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro areas.

Now THAT’S pretty cool.

Shoutout to our other winners:

Second place 🥈 - Rufus

Third place (tied) 🥉 - Otis and Sadie Mae

09/29/2026

Did you know this about the relationship between SNAP and the color orange? 🟠

Today is Hunger Action Day and we’re asking EVERYONE to get involved. Will you join us in wearing orange and spreading awareness about hunger relief in the Blue Ridge?

It’s an easy (and free!) way to make a difference for your neighbors.

Share, repost, like, and comment to encourage your friends and family to join in and .

Address

96 Laurel Hill Rd
Verona, VA
24482

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15402483663

Website

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