Virginia Association of Broadcasters Announces
Statewide Campaign Against Hunger
Feeding Virginia to
Support Food Banks, Summer Meals Program for Students
Charlottesville, Va. - June 05, 2014 - The Virginia Association
of Broadcasters (VAB) today announced a year-long campaign to
support all seven regional food banks in Virginia by raising funds
and increasing donations of food. The campaign,Feeding
Virginia, will begin July 1 and will be supported by
more than 150 local radio and television stations across
Virginia, in collaboration with the
Federation of Virginia Food Banks. The announcement was made
by Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, who was at Coleman Place
Elementary School in Norfolk, VA to kick off the start of the
Summer Meals Program, which provides free, healthful meals to
low-income children when school is out.
The First Lady has accepted an invitation to serve as the
spokesperson for the 12-month VAB campaign. She and Gov.
Terry McAuliffe will work with the VAB to promoteFeeding Virginia,
and together they will appear in a variety Public Service
Announcements (PSAs) supporting the program in the coming
year.
TheFeeding Virginiacampaign will begin with all VAB member
stations airing PSAs supporting the Summer Meals Program. In
the months ahead VAB member radio and television stations will
promote and supportFeeding Virginiathrough news coverage, promotion
of local food bank events, and the airing of Public Service
Announcements designed to generate funds, food, and awareness
across the state.
"While they have long been a pillar in our communities and a
strong advocate in the fight against hunger - the commitment from
the Virginia Association of Broadcasters to launch a year-long,
hunger awareness campaign on July 1st is a huge step forward," said
Mrs. McAuliffe. "All seven regional food banks in Virginia will
benefit, as will all Virginia families, as local broadcasters work
to raise awareness of important programs like the summer meals
service."
"Our local radio and television stations take great pride
in the work we do to build up our local communities," said VAB
President Brad Ramsey. "This is the first time our thousands
of employees across the state have united in a common cause, and we
are incredibly excited to make an impact in every corner of
Virginia on this important issue."
The primary mission of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks is
to feed hungry Virginians. In 2013 the Federation's network
(list below) distributed more than 137 million pounds of food to
more than 1 million individuals through more than 1,900 member
agencies across the state. The agencies operate soup
kitchens, after school programs, domestic violence shelters,
individual household distribution and more.
Federation of Virginia Food Banks Executive Director Leslie Van
Horn commented on today's announcement: "Since 2006 we've seen a
54% increase in need, and the need continues to grow. We are
thrilled that Virginia's local broadcasters have decided to support
our efforts, and I know this campaign will make a huge difference
in our fight against hunger."