Feed More

“Ensuring eligible patients are participating in the federal nutrition programs — particularly SNAP and WIC — should be the primary intervention for health care systems to address food insecurity and improve patient nutrition and health.” We know the critical role that food plays in our neighbors' overall health and wellness -- but as Food Bank News explains, the Food Is Medicine movement can have an even greater impact when ensuring that neighbors living with diet-related diseases also effectively leverage federal food assistance programs like SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). At Feed More, we understand the crucial role that federal food assistance programs play in addressing food insecurity -- that's why our dedicated team works to help neighbors to navigate the SNAP application process. Whether in-person at a partner food pantry or any time via our Hunger Hotline, we’re committed to helping you and your family understand the eligibility criteria, and providing step-by-step guidance to simplify the application process. https://lnkd.in/gmMDhBGP

Did you know that peppers are natural pain fighters? The key is the pepper’s capsaicin, which provides pain relief when applied to skin and is a common ingredient in creams and balms used to treat arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, shingles, and post-surgery pains! At Feed More, our mission is all about nourishing and empowering our community: that's why we work with a variety of generous retailers and local growers to provide our neighbors experiencing food insecurity with the fresh, healthy produce they need to thrive, like these beautiful peppers!

As Michael Greer shares, volunteering at Feed More is a great way to make a real impact in the lives of our Central Virginia neighbors in need! From preparing meals in our Community Kitchen to helping kids and teens across our region receive the nourishment they need to thrive and so much more, we're grateful to have the support of kindhearted individuals graciously donating their time to help the many families, children and seniors across our region who wrestle with food insecurity.

SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides monthly funds for neighbors to buy the food they need to thrive — but we know it can be challenging to navigate this important federal assistance program. If you, or anyone you know, needs help with applying for SNAP benefits, we’ve got you covered! Whether during a distribution at our partner food pantry St. Thomas' Episcopal Church or any time via our Hunger Hotline, our dedicated team of volunteers is committed to helping you and your family understand the eligibility criteria, application process, and providing step-by-step guidance to simplify the process. We believe SNAP application assistance and outreach is impactful at an individual and community level. - SNAP puts needed dollars in the hands of neighbors struggling to afford healthy groceries. - Every Feed More enabled SNAP application submitted in Virginia equals 1,212 meals; this means our SNAP outreach work has added more than 424,000 meals in our community since January 2023! - Additionally, SNAP helps our local economies as each SNAP dollar spent puts $1.65 back into the community. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gzbtD5R5

Crestwood and Bon Air Elementary summer school students wanted to help support our Meals on Wheels program for their summer service project, and chose to give back in the sweetest way! In addition to creating these beautiful birthday cards that are sure to brighten the days of our homebound recipients, the students wrote and recited this touching poem for the caring Meals on Wheels volunteers that bring our program to life: In a world where kindness is the rule, Meals on Wheels is really cool! They deliver food, hot and yummy, To make sure tummies aren’t so grumbly. For those who can’t get out to eat, Meals on Wheels brings a special treat. They knock on doors with a friendly hello, Spreading smiles wherever they go. This card we give is just for you, To say thanks for all you do! You bring joy with every meal, Making hearts happy, for real!

“Anyone who has seen a doctor for a routine checkup knows that healthy living and disease prevention are inextricably linked to a nutritious diet. Whether it’s related to cholesterol, blood pressure or blood sugar levels, doctors know that food is medicine.” We’re proud to be a member of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks as they take important steps to help ensure that all our Virginia neighbors in need have access to the nourishing foods needed to thrive! In partnership with Sentara Health, the Federation’s Food Pharmacy program recently expanded, providing over 38,000 patients statewide with immediate access to healthy food in a clinical setting. This important partnership highlights how a nutritious diet is critical to healthy living, disease prevention, and community wellbeing. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eTrJEnZ6

If you're looking for a fun, and meaningful, way to get your company involved in our mission, consider adopting a Meals on Wheels route! In addition to getting some out-of-the-office time, your commitment will help ensure our homebound neighbors get the nourishing meals they need to thrive. Sign up today: https://lnkd.in/eMkiZydp

“The meal gap is profound throughout America, but rural America gets hit harder because the transportation cost to get the food is higher.” Food insecurity impacts many of our neighbors, but it can hit our rural communities a bit harder. New research from the Urban Institute highlights that while the average meal costs 5% less in rural areas, higher transportation costs often erode any advantage rural families may have in stretching their food dollars. From Meals on Wheels deliveries and Mobile Pantry distributions that target food deserts, to our partner pantries working to provide healthy food in rural communities, we’re here to reduce barriers to access and ensure that all our neighbors have the food they need to thrive. https://lnkd.in/g4647p2t

We’re humbled, and grateful for the hardworking folks like Mary-Margaret Fosmark who donate their time to bring our mission to life! Mary-Margaret Fosmark has a long history of keeping things running smoothly. Originally from Lynchburg, Mary-Margaret worked with VCU for over 40 years helping to manage their alumni databases. As a Feed More volunteer, her duties include helping our teams maintain and update our databases of volunteers, donors, and clients. That’s a lot of information to organize, but it’s all worth it to Mary-Margaret. She says that she is always “looking forward to it. It gets me out of the house, and I really enjoy working there.” Alongside hobbies that include computer games and puzzles, Mary-Margaret has a deep passion for volunteering, and believes very strongly in both giving back and helping to accomplish the mission of fighting hunger in her community. The biggest challenge, she says, is that she “can’t do more.” That kind of dedication is even more impressive when you find out that outside of Feed More, Mary-Margaret is also committed to assisting a local Alzheimer’s support group. After losing her husband to the disease in 2015, she believes it is very important to reciprocate the support she was given. Both Feed More and the community we serve are better because of her hard work. Thank you Mary-Margaret!

College food pantries are getting creative to help their students in need! With innovations like online ordering, refrigerated lockers and sustainability practices, these programs are making it easier than ever for students experiencing food insecurity to access nutritious food. A recent report shows that 45% of college students surveyed experience food insecurity, so it's great to see pantries at colleges and universities from SUNY Schenectady County Community College to Oklahoma State University stepping up. And we’re proud to partner with our local higher-education institutions, including Virginia Commonwealth University’s Ram Pantry and J Sargeant Reynolds Community College, which offers pantry services for students at their Downtown and Parham Road campuses. Because of college pantry programs like these, students have the nourishment they need to thrive in their classes and beyond! https://lnkd.in/euj-fv-E #College #FoodInsecurity #WorkingTogether