The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (BRAFB) is one of the most extensive food banking programs in Virginia, and is driven by their mission to “provide nourishing food to neighbors in need.” Founded in 1981, BRAFB distributed 233,000 pounds of food near the Blue Ridge Mountain area in their first year, and made a profound impact with their incredible work done in the rural areas they serviced. Through diverse partnerships and community support, BRAFB has maintained their impressive distribution record, providing food to around 118,300 people every month in 25 counties. In addition to partnering with nearly 200 pantries and program sites, BRAFB is a proud member of both Feeding America, and the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. Having such an impressive network of support, combined with donations and federal government aid, BRAFB is able to distribute a broad variety of goods for the people who need them.
Madison House has partnered with BRAFB for a number of years, and continues to provide support for a variety of nutritional programs. Each week, Madison House sends student volunteers to the Charlottesville distribution branch to work at the food bank warehouse, and help with specified projects. These projects include:
food recovery, which consists of either sorting through donations from food drives and individual contributions or ensuring the safety of the items;
creating emergency food boxes for people who come directly to the warehouse; and
boxing up the sorted items for distribution to partner pantries who allocate them back to the community.
Additionally, volunteers have helped with the REACH program; this program includes packing mixed bags that contain nonperishable items for seniors and those with special needs. Though COVID impacted the demand and availability of projects, BRAFB was able to resume operations with Madison House this past spring, and is now introducing a new project, Family Backpack. This project will see volunteers assembling bags of goods for students to carry home back to their families in need.
Click here to support the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and here to donate to Madison House in support of volunteers working at the food bank and at our other community partners.