The topic of hunger is not a new one, but it is a subject that can often be misunderstood in communities throughout Central Virginia and the entire country. It is by sharing information and the stories of those who face hunger that everyone can better understand what it is to be food insecure and how to help.
We’re debunking three of the biggest myths surrounding hunger in Central Virginia with the hope of raising awareness and shining a light on how we can make a difference!
Myth: The hunger crisis isn’t that bad here, it’s mostly prevalent in other parts of the world.
While it is true that food insecurity is an international problem, hunger effects more than 193,000 people in Central Virginia alone, and 40 million people nationwide. It’s our neighbor that had an unexpected medical bill, our child’s friend whose parent was laid off and the friendly waitress we see in the local coffee shop whose car broke down and needed an expensive repair. It’s not always clear and visible who is struggling.
Myth: Hunger is only a big issue in cities.
Hunger is actually very common in many of our rural communities. With smaller local economies, there are limited job markets and less access to public transportation. Food deserts also continue to be a big problem outside of metropolitan areas.
Here in Central Virginia, Feed More has been working to extend our impact in the more rural localities of our 29 county and five city service area with programs like the Mobile Pantry and School Market. We also work with a network of close to 300 other non-profit organizations across the region that help us distribute food to help feed as many families as possible.
Myth: It’s hard for an individual to make a big, and tangible, difference.
Individual contributions are so important to hunger-fighting organizations like Feed More! Whether it’s a financial donation, volunteering or giving food, every little bit is immensely helpful.
For every one dollar you donate, Feed More can help provide four meals! By spending a few hours in our Community Kitchen, you’re helping prepare some of the 3,500 meals that will go out each weekday to our Meals on Wheels program and Children’s Programs. And for every food drive you participate in, you are putting food directly on the dinner table of someone who otherwise couldn’t afford it.
