We collect, inspect, warehouse, and distribute millions of pounds of food every year.
Before food reaches the hands of our neighbors, it goes through many processes and touches to ensure that our neighbors receive safe, quality food to nourish their families. It takes a team of dedicated staff, generous food donors, and 2,000 passionate volunteers to make our work happen. Every bag of groceries that makes its way to our neighbors’ pantries is an act of love.
Here’s how we work:
- Our food comes from a variety of sources, including purchased food from Feeding America and other wholesalers, government food commodities, donated product from grocers and retailers, canned goods from community food drives, and even produce from local growers. Many of our agencies also rescue safe food items directly from local grocers and retailers through our Partner Pick Up Program, saving millions of pounds of safe surplus food annually.
- All donated product is sorted and inspected by our team of dedicated volunteers to ensure food is safe for our neighbors. Volunteers also help kit food boxes and backpacks that are distributed to seniors and children.
- Food is distributed across Southwest Virginia through our network of 400 partners, including food pantries and feeding programs for children and seniors. Our partners pick up food from our Distribution Centers in Salem or Abingdon, then distribute food to their neighbors in 26 counties and nine cities across the region. Other food is distributed through Feeding SWVA’s direct-service programs, like the Mobile Food Pantry, or through healthcare partnerships, such as the Homecare Food Delivery Program.
This process is the backbone of our food distribution network in Southwest Virginia. In addition to our traditional model, food is moving in and out of our doors every day in innovative ways. For example, our Mobile Marketplace provides fresh groceries sourced from our retail partners and local produce vendors for purchase at affordable prices. Additionally, our Community Solutions Center in Roanoke and our Children’s Feeding Kitchen in Abingdon prepare fresh, hot meals for hundreds of children daily. It takes many hands and various programs and services to reach our neighbors.
How you can help
We need your help today and every day to reduce food insecurity in our communities. Many families in SW Virginia do not know when his or her next meal is coming. But you can help right now.
- Volunteer Today
- Hold a Food Drive
- Donate to Support our Mission