Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

Introduction

In the realm of food assistance in Virginia, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (BRAFB) plays a vital role. This noble institution operates on the fundamental belief that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves enough to eat, irrespective of whether they need assistance once in their lifetime or on a weekly basis.

Vision

At the heart of BRAFB is a vision of a community free from hunger. The organization works tirelessly to ensure that no individual, regardless of age or background, experiences the discomfort of an empty stomach.

Mission

BRAFB’s mission is to provide an effective response to food insecurity in its service area. It aims to feed the hungry, work towards the elimination of food insecurity, and promote human dignity through its multifaceted programs.

Services Offered

Food Pantries

BRAFB’s Food Pantries represent a lifeline for many in need. Their assortment encompasses a diverse selection of food essentials, encompassing a variety of perishable and non-perishable goods, such as fruits, vegetables, meat products, dairy items, and long-lasting pantry supplies. Some of these pantries even allow individuals to shop for their groceries, which instills a sense of normalcy and respect during their visit.

Mobile Food Pantry

Understanding that access to food assistance can be hampered by physical distance, BRAFB has implemented the Mobile Food Pantry. This initiative provides a variety of groceries, including fresh produce, to those unable to reach a fixed pantry location. With this service, recipients can simply line up in their vehicles, and have food loaded directly into their trunks or backseats.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

The CSFP, or the “Senior Food Boxes,” is a specially designed program for seniors over 60 years of age who fall within 130% of the federal poverty guideline. This program not only provides essential, shelf-stable items, but also vegetables, fruits, proteins, juice, pasta or rice, cereal, milk, and cheese.

Food Bank Warehouses

The Food Bank Warehouses serve as pivotal points in the BRAFB’s operations. They offer Emergency Food Boxes packed with shelf-stable food, serving as an immediate response to sudden food needs. Moreover, they refer individuals to a pantry near their home or workplace, ensuring ongoing access to food aid.

Linguistic Assistance

Recognizing the diverse linguistic needs of its service areas, BRAFB strives to accommodate languages represented in the different regions it serves. It equips its partner organizations with necessary tools such as intake forms and posters in multiple languages. In some locations, bilingual staff members are available to help those who do not speak English.

Conclusion

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank plays an indispensable role in mitigating food insecurity within its service area. Through its multifarious programs and services, it not only ensures that those in need have enough to eat but also promotes inclusivity and respect. It stands as a testament to community resilience and the power of collective action in the face of adversity.

Website: brafb.org

Address: 96 Laurel Hill Rd, Verona, VA, United States, Virginia

Email: communications@brafb.org

Phone: +1 540-248-3663

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeAreaFoodBank

Twitter: https://twitter.com/brafb

Instagram: https://instagram.com/brafb/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BRAFB1