I want to help end hunger!

The mission of Virginia Peninsula Foodbank is to distribute food effectively through collaborative efforts that minimize hunger, promote nutrition and encourage self-reliance through education.

Our vision is to inspire hope by leading the effort for a hunger-free and properly nourished community.

Virginia Peninsula Foodbank has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for 15 consecutive years. This distinction means that the Foodbank, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, outperformed most other charities in financial efficiency and effectiveness as well as accountability and transparency.

Your Impact

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Meals Provided Since 1986
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Pounds of food rescued annually
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Households helped annually
Dawn has always worked. She never expected to face hunger. But then COVID-19 happened and she lost her job. A mom to five kids -- three who still live at home -- Dawn has a lot on her plate already, so wondering how to pay the bills only made her situation more challenging. Thankfully, she learned about Mobile Food Pantries hosted by Feeding America West Michigan. Now, she and her kids are able to quickly and safely receive plenty of fresh produce, milk and protein to ensure they stay on their feet. 'It is very helpful to have these,' she said. (Kids named l-r Parker, Alexas, Logan)
Partner Agencies
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VPF Service Area Map

Serving Our Community

Hunger lives in every community throughout America.  The Foodbank serves individuals, families, children, seniors and veterans in Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, James City County, Gloucester, Mathews, York, Poquoson and Surry.

Because of the generosity from our community, help is just around the corner, or down the street for those needing assistance.

Our Story

At every table there is a story to tell.

Virginia Peninsula Foodbank provides food assistance to the 1 in 10 Virginians who are experiencing the fears and pains of hunger. In collaboration with over 140 partner agencies, families have a place to go when experiencing food and nutrition insecurity.

Based on Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap, close to 48,000 people across the greater Peninsula are experiencing a day or more without proper nutrition or skipping meals.  Our neighbors are having to  make difficult choices between purchasing less healthy foods or taking care of their basic needs (rent, utilities, car payments, medication. Unfortunately, food often takes the back burner.

Skyrocketing food and fuel costs have made it even more difficult for families facing hunger to access enough to eat and have put additional strains on food banks to purchase more food than ever due to the increase in need. With the higher cost of living, the Foodbank is experiencing an increase of up to 30% of individuals reaching out for assistance.  For fiscal year ending June, 2023, the Foodbank's programs, mobile food pantry distributions and partner agencies have had close to 322,000 visits compared to fiscal year ending June, 2022 244,000 visits.  With this substantial increase in need, and up to a 50% decrease in food donations, the Foodbank is utilizing their purchasing power , with your help, to buy more healthy food.

Your compassion and generosity ensures that everyone has a plate at the table, and a story that gives them hope for a healthier future.

When people are fed, futures are nourished.

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Volunteer

Volunteers are an integral part of the success of the Foodbank. We are grateful for the time and talents that are shared to fulfill our mission. Volunteering is a great way to meet people, stay active, team build, learn job skills, and of course, have fun while giving back.

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"I was reluctant to come to the food pantry - I am so used to doing things on my own. It didn't feel right to be asking for help. But it is a huge blessing. The food pantry has good, nutritious food, and they make me feel welcome here. It is such a relief to know that I will have something to eat."

"I really appreciate the mobile pantry every month. The fruits and vegetables especially help me a lot because I have to be on a special diet for my diabetes. I actually make salads and add vegetables to my sandwiches, and I would never be able to do that unless I got them here."

"There were days when I wasn't sure how we were going to make it. But we are making it and the food pantry is part of the reason why.  I appreciate that it enables me to provide for my family with dignity and that gives me the strength to keep going."

 

"Things are looking up for me. I'm about to start welding school and I'm excited to be working toward a career. It has been a difficult year and I have been working hard to help myself, but the food pantry gave me the extra little push I needed to get back on my feet."

"I don't like asking for help; I'd rather depend on myself, but to give my baby a chance, I need to put my pride aside. I'm grateful that there are places like this pantry to turn to, so that even in this difficult time, I can get the nutrition we both need to build a better life."

Our Partners

Thank you for helping families have a healthy plate at the table!

Mobile Food Pantry

Mobile Food Pantry – Surry

March 21 @ 10:00 am
Surry Count Rec Center
205 Enos Farm Drive
Surry, 23883

Starting in May 2023 in order to accommodate others in need, our Mobile Food Pantry…

Mobile Food Pantry – Greater Williamsburg

March 21 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Greater Williamsburg SA
216 IronBound Rd
Williamsburg, 23188

Starting in May 2023 in order to accommodate others in need, our Mobile Food Pantry…

Mobile Food Pantry – Hispanic Resource Center

March 22 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
West Hampton Baptist Church
631 Aberdeen Rd
Hampton, VA 23661 United States

Drive-thru food distributions are on a first come first serve basis while supply lasts. Please…

News Highlights

Discussing SNAP benefit changes

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, has experienced waves of…

Cucumbers and tomatoes

Sharing Our Story Of Hope

At every table, there is a story to tell. We would like to share our…

People Taking Action

Local foodbank volunteer gives away his $300 gift card! By: Kurt Williams Posted at 5:56…