NEWPORT NEWS — THRIVE Peninsula is hosting a donation event on Friday, Sept. 13 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to help stock The Market at THRIVE.
It’s becoming that spooky time of year, and while many of us may be afraid of ghosts or spiders, the scary reality is that thousands of Peninsula families are struggling to afford enough to eat, the organization said.
THRIVE Peninsula is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves families facing economic hardship in Newport News, Hampton, and York County. In November of last year, THRIVE opened in its new location, which hosts The Market at THRIVE, the Peninsula’s first free grocery store, The Free Bookstore, The Garden at THRIVE and more.
The Market at THRIVE aims to connect hungry families to healthy foods in a dignified way. THRIVE does not want shame or stigma to stop people from getting the help they need, so The Market has adopted a grocery store model; it creates a familiar environment and gives dignity in choice to shoppers who can self-select 100% of their food.
In August, The Market served 2,844 people, a record-high, all while maintaining a wait list of families eager to get help.
“Each month, our Market serves more people than ever before and food is flying off the shelves,” said Angela York, THRIVE Peninsula Executive Director. “On Friday the 13th we are asking the community to donate food items to help us restock so we can continue to serve high volumes of people who rely on us to get through the month because their paycheck just isn’t enough.”
When a person is food insecure, they may be forced to skip meals or reduce the amount of food or quality of food they consume because costs are too high, the organization explains. Many others are too ashamed to ask for help from a traditional food pantry so they stay home, hungry.
THRIVE cites one recent shopper who said, “As a single parent who lives from check to check, yet does not qualify for food stamps or any assistance, this program helps tremendously. My son and I can eat instead of me sacrificing my food for him sometimes.”
For the donation event, THRIVE is offering extended hours on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. for donation drop-offs and shopping appointments.
On Friday, Sept 13, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., donors can donate food to The Market at THRIVE by pulling into the parking circle and volunteers will help unload donations.
The Market’s most needed items currently are Ramen Noodles, pancake mix, pancake syrup, canned fruit, baking mixes, and condiments, however, food donations of any kind are accepted.
In lieu of dropping off food items, you can donate online to help stock the shelves.
“Hunger is a real fear that many families have on our Peninsula, but what’s hopeful is that our community can band together to solve it,” stated York.
THRIVE Peninsula is located at 12749 Nettles Drive in Newport News.
