Localities, Feed More Partner to Bolster Food Access to Residents Whose SNAP Benefits are Impacted

Richmond, VA -- The City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, and Henrico County are proud to join forces with Feed More, Central Virginia's food bank and its network of 380 partners, to ensure residents continue to have access to nutritious food while the federal government shutdown impacts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Through this regional collaboration, localities are working together to fill gaps and bellies of individuals and families who rely on the SNAP program. The federal government shutdown will begin to impact SNAP benefits on November 1.

To address food and nutritional needs of residents who rely on SNAP, the region will contribute over $200,000 in financial support to Feed More. Feed More is leveraging these funds to source more food, expand distribution capabilities within its existing network of pantry partners and provide supplementary resources in areas of outsized need. Additional details about expanded distribution will be provided in the coming days. Neighbors can visit Feedmore.org to find nearby pantries within their community.

How to help:

• Donate: The best way for residents to support this ongoing effort is to donate to Feed More (feedmore.org). Those donations will directly support food distribution in the Richmond region next week.
• Donate (your time): The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond will host volunteer opportunities for residents who want to donate their time. More information will be available in the coming days.
• Donate (your food): Feed More will accept donations of food, and you can learn more about how and what to donate on feedmore.org

"I'm so proud to be part of a region that shows up for one another," said Richmond Mayor Danny Avula. "When challenges like this arise, we come together to make sure every family has food on the table. I'm deeply grateful to Feed More for stepping up for our neighbors when it matters most."

"It's times like these when I'm truly grateful for the partnerships that enable us to come together for the greater good," said Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Ingle. "Despite uncertain times, we are focused on working together to overcome a current challenge. I'm thankful to Feed More and our many other partners for providing a boost to residents in need."

"Making sure our neighbors are fed and nourished in this time of need is a fundamental part of public service," Henrico County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III said. "By standing together as a region and marshalling our community's vast public, private and nonprofit resources, we can overcome whatever challenges we face in the days ahead."

"Food insecurity has so many ripple effects on our neighbors in need - physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. We're ready to answer the call to help ensure children and families across the region have access to the food and nutrition they need," said Dennis Hatchett, Feed More President and CEO.