HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (BRAFB) is teaming up with Harrisonburg Media Group (HMG) and Steven Kia for March for Meals 2025.

During the month of March, food donations will be accepted at businesses such as Steven Kia, Steven Toyota, Bellaire at Stone Port, and Harrisonburg Media Group.

Millie Winstead, Director of Development and Community Engagement at BRAFB, said the purpose of March for Meals is to serve the community through partnership.

“We need to link arms with our community members that are also interested in making sure that everybody has enough to eat,” said Winstead.

The BRAFB request non-perishable donations. Some examples include:

  • Proteins such as canned tuna, salmon or chicken, peanut butter, beans & canned nuts
  • Dairy items such as canned, evaporated, or powdered milk
  • Fruits and vegetables including 100% juice in boxes and cans, low or no sodium canned vegetables, and fruits in light syrup or fruit juice.
  • Boxed Pasta, rice, cereal, canned soups and stews, and macaroni and cheese
  • No glass items

Winstead said non-food items are also important and acceptable donations.

“Something that I learned while I’ve been working at the Food Bank is some of our guests use SNAP Benefits,” said Winstead. “With those though you are not eligible to purchase non-food items. So, things such as toilet paper, diapers, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo. These are all essential items to our health and hygiene.”

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank will also be accepting monetary donations. Links to donate are available through HMG and the BRAFB websites.

“Donate anytime,” said Winstead. “For every dollar that is donated you help provide enough food for more than 3 meals. We can stretch that monetary donation much farther.”

Winstead said the importance of the March for Meals event is the message that BRAFB is here to help.

“We are here to serve without judgement,” said Winstead. “People can get involved in that mission and be a part of it. I often get the question, ‘Well I’m just one person, how can I make a difference?’ As we’ve said that dollar can stretch. Together we can make a big impact.”

For more information on donations, visit this link: Check out March for Meals’ team fundraising page for Blue Ridge Area Food Bank