VERONA, VA (Rocktown Now) – The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank hosted the “In Our Neighbors’ Words: Understanding the Rising Need for Food Assistance While Inspiring Action” on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The event was a virtual forum with partners and community members that discussed the need for food assistance and the possible solutions.

Highlights from the forum, according to a release, included:

  • The Food Bank and its partner network is currently serving 172,000 people per month, on average—the highest in its 44-year history.
  • The reasons behind rising demand include the decoupling of unemployment rates from food insecurity, the soaring costs of living, and cuts to government food assistance programs.
  • The Food Bank remains committed to its strategic plan, despite these headwinds. Initiatives like new food pantry partnerships, school-based food markets (Good Food School Markets), and healthcare-centered “Food Pharmacies” were highlighted.
  • Attendees were urged to advocate for a strong farm bill to protect vital food assistance programs.

For more information on how to get involved, the link can be found here: Advocate – The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank