A recent feature on urban food security in The Atlantic caught our eye, in part because of the arresting photos and in part because of a mention that even in Loudoun County, with the nation’s highest per capita income, there are 10,000 children who are in families that are struggling to regularly put food on the table. Nationwide it is estimated that 14% of households are food insecure and 6% are critically so. That is 1 in 7 households that are regularly struggling to avoid hunger.
Around Virginia there are a number of organizations working to address this problem, and we want to encourage all Virginians to support their efforts by volunteering, donating food, running a food drive, or even donating money if you can.
One effort to provide help was recently brought to our attention, and we wanted to pass it along. The Dulles South Food Pantry was started a couple of years ago as an interfaith effort, and is doing great work for residents in Loudoun County and Fairfax County. To support their efforts, the South Riding Women in Business group is hosting a gala evening on June 5 in Middleburg, with a Kentucky Derby theme. Tickets are available online, and all proceeds will benefit the food pantry’s work. It is a great opportunity to have fun while supporting a good cause.
If you would like to help, or if you need assistance, we encourage you to get locate a food pantry near you. Virginia Food Pantries, Virginia Food Banks, and Feed America, are all great resources.