Food Bank Urgently Needs Holiday Donations

Despite a donation of 750 turkeys from supermarket chain Giant Food yesterday, the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank says it still needs about 1,500 turkeys and other foodstuffs to meet expected Thanksgiving demand.

"Our goal was 5,000 turkeys," said Oya Oliver, director of the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank, in an interview. " We have purchased some and gotten some donations, but we are nowhere near the amount we need."

In 2010, the food bank distributed more than 3 million pounds of food to clients. This year, Oliver says the food bank is projected to match or slightly outpace last year's output. But increasing demand is outstripping food donations. This year, the food bank has had to spend more money to purchase food to meet demand than at any point in Oliver's 20 tenure.

"Purchases are at a high," said Oliver.  "We have to create our own funding."

The food bank tries to budget for food purchases to cover donation gaps, but in the face of diminishing corporate donations, it's becoming harder to maintain those funds.

The food bank distributes to 74 food pantries serving 15,000 people per month. Children make up a dominant demographic served by the Food Bank. Of those 15,000 monthly clients, nearly half- 48 percent-are under the age of 18.

Another large segment of the food bank's clientele are elderly. A FAFB program for the elderly has grown from 12 participants in 2003 to 1,600 in 2011. Oliver estimates another 3,000 or so seniors in Planning District 16 could use the services of the Food Bank.

"For them especially, around the holidays, they look forward to a big meal," said Oliver. Even with government and charitable assistance, many elderly still routinely go hungry.

Turkeys and other non-perishable food items can be dropped of Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the food bank headquarters south of Fredericksburg on 3631 Lee Hill Drive in Spotsylvania County.

There will also be a "Family and Friends" frozen turkey drive on Saturday at 9 Greenland Court in Stafford County from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prizes will be given out to the individual, group and family which collects the most pounds of food.

Those interested in donating might like to consult this handy list of the most and least needed items compiled by the FAFB.

Oliver is desperately trying to get the word out about the food drives, and says her crews will be working up to the last minute to make sure the hungry can have a dignified thanksgiving.

"We'll be delivering turkey's until 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving eve," said Oliver.