NORFOLK, Va. — A local foodbank received a generous donation today as part of Hunger Action Month.
Perdue Farms donated a truckload of lean protein to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.
The company plans to distribute 400,000 pounds of chicken this month to 10 food banks across the East Coast. The company says it also plans to invest in child hunger relief programs.
“As someone who faced the pressures of hunger firsthand as a child, I can say that food insecurity impacts more people than we realize, unfortunately including 1 in 5 children. As a food and agriculture company, we’re committed to fighting hunger in the communities we call home and beyond,” said Todd Tillemans, Chief Commercial Officer at Perdue Farms. “During Hunger Action Month, we want these donations to increase awareness, help feed our neighbors, and spur action from organizations.”
Foodbank CEO Christopher Tan welcomed the donation Tuesday morning. He told 13News Now, “Typically food banks focus on nonperishable items, but what people really need in our community are produce and lean protein.”
According to the foodbank’s website, 1 in 4 children in parts of its service area go to bed hungry, and 1 in 10 people are food insecure. Tan says getting healthy protein to the community is vital.
“They’re often the most expensive foods at grocery stores, but they’re the healthiest thing we can provide, so oftentimes food banks struggle to get those things.”
During Hunger Action Month, the organization aims to shed light on an issue that exists year-round.
“Hunger doesn’t have a season, so people are hungry 365 days a year,” Tan explained. “But for 30 days we can bring a little more attention to that need.”
Though Perdue delivered the protein on one truck, it won’t take long for it to be dispersed throughout our area. The foodbank will deliver it to local soup kitchens, other pantries, and the foodbank’s own sites.
Last year the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore distributed 21 million pounds of food, and staffers say this year’s lines are 30% longer than in the past.
Those interested in learning more or donating can click here.