RICHMOND, VA – November [Date of original article publication] – Governor Glenn Youngkin today launched the Virginia Cares Initiative, a statewide effort to support working families, those who support the military, and public servants affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The initiative aims to bolster food security and provide essential resources across the Commonwealth.
The Virginia Cares Initiative is supported by the Offices of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, and the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. It will collaborate with seven regional food banks throughout Virginia, utilizing them as central hubs for collecting and distributing donated food and essential items.
“Virginians take care of their own, and the Virginia Cares Initiative reflects that spirit of community and compassion,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “By working closely with our regional food banks, we can help ensure that families impacted by the shutdown have access to the food and support they need. These programs not only address immediate needs but also highlight the vital role Virginia’s agricultural industry plays in sustaining our communities.”
Ashley Traficant Ledwith, Executive Director of Outreach and Engagement for the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, emphasized the community’s response to hardship. “Virginians are facing food insecurity due to the government shutdown,” she stated. “But every time Virginians have faced a challenge, our neighbors across the Commonwealth step up to meet the moment.I am confident the Virginia Cares Initiative will demonstrate once again that the Spirit of Virginia is strong.”
Eddie Oliver, Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, highlighted the strain on existing resources. “Our food banks and network of 1,150 pantry partners are facing a perfect storm of challenges,” Oliver said. “We are grateful for the Governor’s leadership in establishing VENA and ensuring food banks have additional resources to meet the record high demand we are experiencing across the Commonwealth. We appreciate the continued support from the community as we work to connect every family with the nutrition they need to thrive.”
Virginians interested in participating in the Virginia Cares Initiative can find more information, locate their nearest food bank, and learn about donation, volunteer, and food drive opportunities at the Virginia Cares Initiative Sign-Up Page: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/3hunpnr/lp/1e8b9b30-5267-422f-a562-da3d341791e8?source_id=81a43c1e-edaa-4042-b363-affa96d47ab7&source_type=em&c=qYLG-kgYlCWAKLyoYWa6jJyXfE7GpcU4KdLkGXR6VJ56nbgkWtxm3A==.
Additional details on the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program are available at https://dss.virginia.gov/vena.
