NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and YMCAs across the Peninsula are working together to help fight food shortages due to coronavirus.
YMCA says they are asking the community to donate non-perishable items to be distributed by the Foodbank.
Non-perishable items in immediate need are canned tuna, chicken, ham; canned vegetables and fruits, peanut butter and jelly; macaroni and cheese, hearty meaty soups, 100% juice, pasta meals, family size box rice, instant potatoes, cereal, and nutritional bars.
“It’s partnerships with our community that make our mission possible. We are grateful for the support from the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas to help provide more meals to those individuals facing food insecurity, hundreds for the first time. Not only are families having to cope with losing their job, but they are also having to face the possible reality of food insecurity. Families need us more now than ever,” said Donna Tighe, Director of Development of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.
Donations can be dropped off by driving to the front of the YMCA, where volunteers will be stationed. Drivers will not need to roll down their windows, they simply will be asked to pop their trunks open, and a YMCA staff member will take the non-perishable items from the trunk. Staff collecting non-perishable items will be provided PPE such as masks and gloves.
The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas will be hosting food drives starting May 5 at the following locations:
May 5
· YMCA Express at Gloucester: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
· Mathews Family YMCA: 1p.m. - 5 p.m.
May 6
· Tom & Ann Hunnicutt Family YMCA : 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
· Hampton Family YMCA: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
May 12
· Victory Family YMCA: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
· R.F. Wilkinson Family YMCA: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank has increased distribution through a mass drive-through style in response to the pandemic.
Nearly 68% of all participants in these large-scale food distributions are new, first-time food assistance recipients.
Non-perishable items in immediate need are canned tuna, chicken, ham; canned vegetables and fruits, peanut butter and jelly; macaroni and cheese, hearty meaty soups, 100% juice, pasta meals, family size box rice, instant potatoes, cereal, and nutritional bars.
