Approximately 60 organizations from across Southwest Virginia, including partners serving Buchanan County, recently gathered to strengthen their efforts to help families facing hunger.
Feeding Southwest Virginia hosted its annual Agency Conference at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon. This year’s conference carried the theme “Uniting Communities.”
Representatives from food pantries and other community organizations attended from Buchanan, Dickenson, Wise, Lee, Scott, Russell, Washington, Smyth, Tazewell, Grayson, Wythe and Bland counties.
The conference gave organizations that regularly serve individuals and families facing food insecurity an opportunity to learn from one another, strengthen their operations and explore ways to reach more people.
Feeding Southwest Virginia also recognized several longtime organizations for their work in the regional hunger-relief network. Newer partners, including Loaves and Fishes in Galax, also were recognized.
“It’s a wonderful feeling being with people who understand what you are doing and support you. We all have the same vision. We all want to help. Some days it’s hard to see how many people are hungry,” said Tony Lowe of Loaves and Fishes-Galax.
Educational breakout sessions focused on improving the services offered by participating organizations.
One session, “Feeding Children Year-Round,” examined how Feeding Southwest Virginia’s childhood hunger programs provide continued support while school is in session and during school breaks.
Participants learned about the organization’s Backpack and School Pantry programs, as well as federal nutrition programs that could help them expand services for children.
“Teachers I know are noticing more food scarcity from their students, from high school to preschool. It’s helpful to learn more about the options we have for children’s programs to help,” said Jarrett Roberts of It’s a God Thing in Damascus.
Another session focused on Feeding Southwest Virginia’s Partner Pick-Up Program and the importance of donated food in hunger-relief efforts. Participants received information about food-sourcing requirements, building relationships with donors and organizing successful food drives.
Feeding Southwest Virginia President and CEO Pamela Irvine delivered the keynote address. It was her final address to the organization’s agency partners before her planned retirement in December following 45 years of service.
“It took all of the hands and hearts in this room today to make a difference. Every single one of you plays a vital role in helping us address hunger across the region,” Irvine said.
“We are always grateful to connect with you, engage this network, and explore ways we can continue to meet the need in Southwest Virginia. We thank you for every food box, every meal, and every bag of groceries you distributed this last year. We could not have such a strong network of support without you.”
Feeding Southwest Virginia works with 275 agency partners operating more than 350 meal programs across a service area covering 26 counties and nine cities.
The food bank reaches an average of more than 129,000 people each month and distributes more than 20 million pounds of food annually. Feeding Southwest Virginia estimates that one in seven people in the region experiences hunger.
For more information about Feeding Southwest Virginia and its programs, visit feedingswva.org.
