Dear Fellow Virginian,
When I was elected to serve as the 44th Attorney General of Virginia I knew that while I had gained tremendous responsibilities, I had also been given an exciting opportunity. In addition to running the state’s law firm, I am in a position to help promote an issue that is important to the future of Virginia: reducing hunger in our prosperous Commonwealth. Thus, I am pleased to announce that over the next three years I am building a partnership with the organizations serving on the front lines of this battle: Virginia’s Food Banks. And I ask you to join me in this important effort.
Too often, hunger is an issue we believe exists only in “other” places. But any official at one of the many Food Banks in Virginia will tell you hunger can be found “everywhere.” There is not a zip code in this Commonwealth where someone doesn’t need your kindness and your help to get a full, balanced meal. The statistics bear this out. A recent study by the Food Security Institute, Center on Hunger and Poverty found that 594,000 people in Virginia are considered “food insecure.” Further, another 121,000 of your fellow Virginians are considered “food insecure with hunger.” While there may be many reasons for their situations, these are children and adults who live in our communities, go to our schools, and need our help.
The good news is, there are many benevolent and faith-based organizations in Virginia dedicated to providing help. One of the leaders is your local Food Bank. Working under the umbrella of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, and America’s Second Harvest, there is a Food Bank in every region of Virginia. Whether you are in Fredericksburg, Newport News, Richmond or Abingdon, there is a Food Bank near you that is working everyday to feed the hungry, and to build a healthier, stronger Virginia. But the Food Banks cannot do this good work by themselves. They need money, time, and donations. In short, they need you to pitch in and help your fellow Virginians.
At the bottom of this letter you will find links to the Virginia Food Banks that belong to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. From after school cafes, to food pantries, to soup kitchens, these organizations are out in your community helping those who need help. I hope you will consider clicking on the link for your area, and finding out how you can become involved with your local Food Bank.
I intend to be a vocal and committed proponent of the good work that the Food Banks are doing. Through promoting innovative food drives such as the “Legal Food Frenzy” for participation by lawyers and staff, to hosting press events, to speaking out in the media, I am going to help raise awareness about an issue that we too often forget: that every night children go to bed hungry in the Commonwealth. I know, that through working together, we can reduce hunger in Virginia, and promote a better start for children in our great state. The motto of the Central Virginia Food Bank in Richmond is, “….that none shall go hungry.” Today I ask you to join me in helping Virginia’s Food Banks make this motto a reality. Thank you,
