NewsPositively Hampton Roads

Actions

Mayflower Marathon returns as Hampton Roads' largest food & fund drive before Thanksgiving

2021 Mayflower Marathon, food drive
Posted at 3:49 PM, Nov 02, 2023
and last updated 2023-11-02 16:27:10-04

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — The 27th Annual Mayflower Marathon, hosted by 106.9 the Fox (WAFX) and FM99 (WNOR), is right around the corner!

The 'round-the-clock food drive starts at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 and goes to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19.

The event takes place simultaneously at five different locations:

  • Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach
  • Kroger Marketplace at 1017 University Blvd. in Suffolk
  • Kroger at 1050 W. Mercury Blvd. at Coliseum Central in Hampton
  • Kroger at 5007-2 Victory Blvd. in Tabb
  • Moyock Welcome Center in Moyock, NC

Plus, this will be the first time a donation set-up will be available in Moyock!
Watch last year's coverage of the Mayflower Marathon:

Mayflower Marathon food drive

All food and monetary donations collected in Virginia Beach and Suffolk will go to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, all donations made at the Hampton and Tabb locations will benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and all donations made in Moyock will go to the Foodbank of the Albemarle.

"Our generous listeners, staff and clients look forward to many of our events each and every year. However, the annual Mayflower Marathon is always at the TOP of the must attend list," said General Manager of WNOR and WAFX Carol Commander. "In good times and bad, they have opened their cupboards and wallets to help the area Foodbanks. We appreciate the support of the entire community in supporting our Mayflower Marathon's mission to end hunger."

Some things you could consider donating:

  • Turkeys, hams and all other traditional sides
  • Lean canned protein (peanut butter, tuna, chicken, turkey, beans)
  • Fruits and vegetables (canned fruit and vegetables, pasta sauce, 100% fruit juice, fruit preserves, dried fruit)
  • Whole grains (cereal, pasta, oatmeal, family size box rice, crackers)
  • Meals (soups, stews, boxed meals, canned pasta)
  • Money (cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted)

And while you donate, you can rock out while Rick Rumble, the FM99 team, Mike Arlo and the Fox staff broadcast live from the event!
“Every year, Mayflower Marathon reminds us that, in the midst of our own family celebrations, we have the power to bring sustenance to our neighbors facing hunger," Christopher Tan, President and CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, is quoted saying in the release. "We are thankful for our Foodbank family partners, such as FM99 and 106.9 The Fox, who ensure that the warmth of a holiday meal reaches every table in our community, embodying the true spirit of the season."

For ways to donate, click here.