Central Virginia Food Bank Requests On The Rise - WTVR (CBS 6)

Central Virginia Food Bank Requests On The Rise
Former Donors Turning To Agency For Help
http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-food-bank-donors-need-help,0,3701317.story

RICHMOND - Every day the Central Virginia Food Bank feeds about one thousand people through it's meals on wheels program. Every month, through various agencies they touch one hundred thousand people. Last year 13 million pounds of food went out to the community, but still the need is great.

The need is so great, workers are seeing a new trend. "So many people who call are embarrased. They're confused, they don't know where to start" says Fay Lohr. Lohr, the CEO of Feedmore, Inc. is talking about former donors who used to give them money to help others. Now, some of those donors are turning to the agency for help.

"We're seeing a fairly large percentage of those folks who had been our regular donors..who sent 20 or 50 dollars when they could. It's painful because we've gotten attached to our donors and it's hurtful. But, we know it's temporary and will get better. We're just glad we can be there for them because they've been here for us in the past" Lohr tells CBS 6.

The day before Thanksgiving, volunteers like Diane Wood and Ed Burns man the food bank warehouse, sorting canned goods and other items. They end the three hour period by sorting more than 11 thousand pounds. They say hearing those stories makes their mission even more important.

"We've had quite a few families let go from either our company or others and with the layoffs so there are a lot of people in need" says Wood. Burns added "We know people are out there and they're struggling and if we can help, the more, the better."

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• foodbank
• food bank
• feedmore
• hungry feeding america