ROANOKE, Va. – Food pantries across Southwest Virginia have spent months absorbing the impact of reduced USDA food distributions. Now, local organizations are stepping up to help fill the gap.
St. Francis House Food Pantry in Roanoke has faced a 65% decrease in USDA food distributions this year — a drop of more than 5,000 pounds per month. In January, the pantry received more than 8,000 pounds of USDA food. That number has since fallen to below 3,000 pounds.
Community groups answer the call
Local organizations, including the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, have launched food donation drives with a goal of collecting 1,500 pounds between the two groups. The organizations are also partnering with additional groups to bring in even more donations.
Dave Chopski, Grand Knight for Roanoke Council 562 of the Knights of Columbus, said 10 News reporting helped spark the effort…