A national nonprofit is helping to combat local hunger this weekend.
Move for Hunger, which works in 47 states to transport unwanted, nonperishable items to foodbanks, is partnering with the Farm Fresh in Grafton and the Seaford Transfer moving company for a drive Saturday. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Fill-A-Truck to Fight Hunger event will work to pack a moving truck with as many pantry parcels as possible.
Founded in 2009, Move for Hunger works with moving companies across the country, usually collecting food from people who are moving and would otherwise throw it away.
Caitlyn Bahrenburg, a public relations intern with the nonprofit, said Move for Hunger also assists with food drives in areas where the organization has moving resources.
“We help to bring to the movers and the food drive together,” she said.
A food drive had been scheduled at Farm Fresh, but Move for Hunger enlisted the help of Seaford Transfer through Wheaton World Wide Moving, a parent company Move for Hunger has worked with in the past. Donations will be packed into a Seaford Transfer truck and distributed on its behalf.
Bahrenburg said the organization has worked for the community before, with programs benefiting the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and other spots throughout the southeastern region. Saturday’s effort will benefit the York County Food Closet.
According to Move for Hunger, one in four southeastern Virginia residents are food insecure, and 30 percent of those are children.
To help fight hunger in the community, Bahrenburg stressed no donation is too small. She said about one pound of donated food can provide a meal for someone in need.
“We’ve delivered over 2 million meals at this point,” she said. “Any donation helps.”
All donations are welcome Saturday, but suggestions include pasta, canned vegetables and fruits, canned meat and fish, rice, beans and peanut butter.
For more information, visit the Move for Hunger website.
