JMU’s Gus Bus expands literacy program to Shenandoah County

JMU James Madison University

The Gus Bus has arrived in Shenandoah County and will make its first stops this Monday, September 14th.

The Gus Bus is an early literacy program serving elementary school age students with engaging and fun lessons through a mobile classroom.

The program focuses on reading and writing skills, provides free food bags through a partnership with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, and serves as a library on wheels.

From September 14th through December 11th, the bus schedule follows:

  • W.W. Robinson communities on Mondays
    • Lakeview Drive: 4 pm – 5 pm
    • Valley Vista Drive: 5 pm – 6 pm
    • Rose Bud Court: 6 pm – 7 pm
  • Ashby-Lee communities on Tuesdays
    • Massanutten Park: 4 pm – 5pm
    • 9091 N. Congress Street: 5 pm – 6 pm
    • 9880 Shenandoah Drive: 6 pm – 7-pm
  • Sandy Hook Communities on Wednesdays
    • Oxbow Drive: 4 pm – 5 pm
    • Breckenridge Court: 5 pm – 6pm

The program is entirely free and supported by James Madison University’s Institute for Innovation in Health in Human Services.

This is the program’s first expansion outside of Harrisonburg/Rockingham County.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

When the Volunteers and the Hungry Are the Same People

brafb volunteers pod

A conversation with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank reveals a quiet crisis unfolding in our own backyard.

Every month, tens of thousands of people across the Shenandoah Valley walk through the doors of a local food pantry. Many of them are older Americans — retirees living on fixed incomes, stretching every dollar just to get through the month. What might surprise you, however, is that many of those same older Americans are also the ones running those pantries. That paradox sits at the heart of a powerful conversation on the latest episode of The Valley Today, where host Janet Michael sits down with Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Click here to listen.

The Volunteers Who Keep the Lights On

Walk into almost any food pantry in the region and you’ll likely be greeted by a retired face. Sinclair points out that older Americans represent the overwhelming majority of food pantry volunteers — people raised with a deep-rooted ethic of community service. More than 50% of the food bank’s partner pantries operate out of churches, a foundation largely sustained by older generations. Yet even as they show up to serve, many of these volunteers are quietly aging out of the physical demands — hefting 50-pound bags of rice, stacking heavy cans. In response, the food bank has been equipping partners with electric pallet jacks and other tools to help seniors keep contributing safely.

Fixed Incomes, Rising Costs, No Room to Adapt

On the other side of the pantry counter, older Americans also make up a growing portion of the people seeking help. One in five seniors visits a food pantry at some point. Sinclair shares the story of a 70-year-old truck driver who suffered a heart attack on the job and was medically barred from ever working again. When prices rise, he cannot adapt — there is no side hustle, no fallback. Only a fixed check and a shrinking margin. Many seniors consolidate every monthly errand — groceries, prescriptions, food pantry — into a single trip, because every extra mile costs money they simply don’t have.

Food Is Medicine — and the Food Bank Is Proving It

Beyond simply filling stomachs, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank focuses on filling them correctly. Sinclair and Michael return to a theme they’ve explored before: food as medicine. Last fiscal year, the food bank distributed over 32 million pounds of food — 5.5 million pounds being fresh produce — and this year they’re already on pace to exceed that. The right diet, Sinclair explains, actively manages chronic illnesses like high blood pressure, kidney disease, and diabetes, conditions that disproportionately affect older Americans. The food bank has taken this principle into healthcare settings, partnering with clinics to screen patients for food insecurity and send them home with food tailored to their dietary needs — resulting in healthier people, fewer ER visits, and lower costs for the whole community.

The Numbers Are Moving in the Wrong Direction

Despite these efforts, demand keeps climbing. Monthly guest visits have risen from 171,200 last fiscal year to approximately 177,000 today, spiking to 194,000 in October 2025 amid SNAP uncertainty during a government shutdown. Meanwhile, USDA food supplies are down 31% this year. To fill the gap, the food bank is purchasing food out of pocket, issuing financial credits to roughly 120 partner pantries, and committing nearly $700,000 to acquire 400,000 pounds of proteins to distribute for free.

Programs Built for Seniors — and a Way You Can Help Right Now

To directly serve older Americans, the food bank runs the Senior Food Box program (CSFP) — USDA-funded monthly boxes distributed from Winchester to Lynchburg, recently supplemented with additional produce boxes. For seniors who don’t qualify, their own Reach Box program ensures no one falls through the cracks. And on Saturday, May 9th, anyone can help through the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive — simply leave non-perishable items by your mailbox before 8:00 AM and your letter carrier will do the rest. To donate, find a pantry, or get help, visit brafb.org.

180,000 Reasons to Care: The Growing Need for Food Assistance

brafb food assistance pod

Six years after the pandemic first disrupted American life, a troubling trend emerges across rural Virginia. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank now serves approximately 180,000 people every month—a staggering 39,000 more than the pandemic’s peak. Les Sinclair, the organization’s Communications and PR Manager, reveals this sobering reality during a recent conversation on The Valley Today with host Janet Michael. Click here to listen.

Initially, food bank officials believed the pandemic would represent the worst crisis they’d ever face. When government assistance programs temporarily lifted many families out of poverty, demand dropped slightly to around 141,000 monthly visits. However, this optimism proved short-lived. “We thought the numbers would never go up beyond the pandemic max,” Les explains. “That just didn’t pan out.”

Instead, inflation took hold with devastating consequences. While prices soared across every sector, wages failed to keep pace. Consequently, more working families find themselves unable to afford basic necessities, forcing them to seek food assistance for the first time in their lives.

A Massive Rural Footprint

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank operates across an impressive territory that spans 25 counties and eight cities throughout Virginia. Stretching from Winchester and Frederick County in the north to beyond Lynchburg and Bedford County in the south, the organization covers approximately 12,000 square miles—roughly the size of Maryland or one-third of Virginia’s total area.

To manage this vast region effectively, the food bank maintains four strategic warehouse locations. Their headquarters sits in Verona, just outside Staunton, while additional distribution centers operate in Winchester, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg. Notably, the Winchester facility alone serves Frederick, Clarke, Fauquier, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, and Rappahannock Counties, including the densely populated Loudoun County.

Moreover, the organization represents a groundbreaking experiment in food banking. When founded in 1981, most food banks concentrated on urban areas where dense populations made distribution easier. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, however, pioneered rural food distribution—a critical distinction since nine out of ten food-insecure Americans live in rural communities rather than urban centers.

The Partnership Model That Makes It Work

The food bank functions as a sophisticated logistics operation, partnering with Feeding America nationally and hundreds of local food pantries regionally. Les compares their role to a Walmart warehouse, buying food by the truckload and storing massive quantities. Meanwhile, local pantries like Winchester CCAP serve as the “customer-facing” locations, directly distributing food to families in need.

This partnership proves essential for reaching scattered rural populations. “We couldn’t do what we do without them,” Les emphasizes. “They couldn’t do what they do without us.”

Furthermore, the organization sources food from diverse channels. Retail grocers contribute 36% of donations through partner pickup programs, where pantries collect excess inventory directly from stores like Food Lion, Kroger, and Giant. Additionally, the USDA provides government-purchased food from American farmers, while large manufacturers donate products with misprinted labels or excess inventory. Local and regional farmers also contribute fresh produce to the network.

The Grocery Store Challenge

Recently, however, the retail partnership faced unexpected pressure. During October and November, and again during winter snowstorms, consumers cleared grocery store shelves completely. When stores have no excess inventory, they have nothing left to donate.

Compounding this challenge, grocery chains have become remarkably efficient at predicting demand. Using AI technology, they now anticipate that shoppers will buy strawberry Pop-Tarts before storms and adjust inventory accordingly. While this efficiency benefits retailers and consumers, it reduces the surplus available for food banks.

Simultaneously, USDA food supplies have dropped 30% year-over-year, forcing the food bank to purchase more food directly. Although they cannot fully replace the high-quality proteins and vegetables the government typically provides, they continue prioritizing nutritious options for their partner pantries.

Shattering Misconceptions About Food Pantry Users

Perhaps the most persistent myth surrounding food insecurity involves who actually needs assistance. Many people assume food pantry visitors are simply lazy and should “get a job.” The reality, however, tells a dramatically different story.

Most people seeking food assistance are working. They’re trying to improve their lives but living on financial margins so thin that a single unexpected expense creates crisis. In fact, more than a quarter of the food bank’s guests visit only once per year—they simply need help getting over a temporary hump.

Les shares the story of a convenience store worker who injured her wrist on the job. Unable to work while waiting for workers’ compensation, she has zero income and cares for a paralyzed son. She’s not lazy—she’s injured, uninsured temporarily, and desperately trying to survive until she can return to work.

Even when workers’ compensation arrives, it typically covers only 70% of regular wages and takes considerable time to process. For families living paycheck to paycheck, missing even one payment creates cascading financial disasters.

The Government Shutdown Ripple Effect

Currently, partial government shutdowns compound these challenges. Federal workers, particularly TSA agents, continue reporting to work without paychecks. They still pay for childcare, gas, and other necessities, but many receive payment only monthly—making it extraordinarily difficult to stretch resources from one paycheck to the next.

Contrary to popular belief, landlords cannot always wait patiently for delayed rent payments. Many landlords depend on rental income to pay their own mortgages. When a tenant misses a $2,000 rent payment, the landlord must still cover their mortgage.

Moreover, the economic impact extends far beyond government employees. When federal workers stop dining out, restaurants lose business. Wait staff lose tips. Restaurant owners order less food from suppliers like Sysco. Truck drivers haul fewer loads. The entire economic system suffers.

Sarah Cohen of Route 11 Chips experienced this firsthand. During COVID and government shutdowns, her sales to DC cafes plummeted because federal workers weren’t coming to the office for lunch. These ripple effects reach deep into Virginia’s economy, affecting businesses and workers far from the capital.

The Impossible Choice: Heat or Eat

Winter brings particularly cruel dilemmas for struggling families. Les recently spoke with William, a roofer injured on the job who lives in a mobile home with his dog, Cocoa. Unable to afford heating, William and Cocoa “just sort of curl up” together while he waits for surgeries that will allow him to return to work.

Another woman caring for three disabled grandchildren faces $400 monthly electric bills. With both she and her husband experiencing serious health issues and the children’s parents out of the picture, they constantly struggle with the impossible choice between heating their home and feeding their family.

These aren’t isolated cases. Across the food bank’s service area, families regularly face this devastating decision. When $600 heating bills arrive after cold snaps, many choose to keep the lights on and visit food pantries to feed their families.

Food as Medicine: A Holistic Approach

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank takes a progressive stance on nutrition, viewing food as medicine rather than mere sustenance. They prioritize fresh produce, which comprised 30% of their distribution last year, because they understand that proper nutrition helps people thrive.

Nutritious food keeps medical bills down across entire communities. Children pay better attention in school when properly nourished. People can manage chronic illnesses and diseases through better nutrition. Conversely, when families can only afford high-calorie processed foods, they face increased health risks despite consuming adequate calories—debunking the myth that overweight individuals cannot be food insecure.

Additionally, access to food reduces stress, which itself functions as a health intervention. When people live on the edge of a financial cliff, they cannot make good long-term decisions. They’re too focused on simply not falling. However, when food security removes one major stressor, families can step back from that precipice and begin making better choices for their futures.

Quality Food for Everyone

Another common misconception suggests that food bank offerings are somehow subpar. In reality, the food distributed through this network maintains high-quality standards. While well-meaning donors sometimes contribute items like ramen noodles during food drives, the bulk of distributed food comes from retail grocers, USDA programs, and direct purchases of nutritious items.

The food bank specifically prioritizes produce because people crave fresh fruits and vegetables. Although produce represents one of the most expensive food categories—often making it a luxury for families on tight budgets—the organization believes everyone deserves access to healthy, nutritious food regardless of their economic circumstances.

How Communities Can Help

Fortunately, community members have multiple ways to support this critical mission. Volunteering provides valuable assistance, and notably, many food bank guests themselves volunteer, giving back to the community that supported them during difficult times.

Financial donations prove particularly effective. Just $1 helps provide more than three meals, meaning $10 supplies a month of meals for someone in need, while $100 provides 300 meals. The food bank’s purchasing power and logistics expertise amplify every dollar donated.

Beyond time and money, advocacy matters tremendously. Currently, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks—representing all seven food banks across the state—works to promote “food as medicine” initiatives with the state legislature. Community members can support these efforts through the food bank’s website at BRAFB.org/actnow or BRAFB.org/getinvolved.

Finally, social media engagement amplifies the message. Following the food bank’s social media accounts, resharing posts, and commenting helps spread awareness that hunger relief remains an urgent community need.

Finding Help When You Need It

For individuals and families currently struggling with food insecurity, Les offers an important message: “You’re not alone, and we are here with you. We are here to walk with you through this challenge in your life.”

The food bank’s website features an easy-to-use food finder tool. Visitors to BRAFB.org can click “Find Food,” enter their address, and immediately see all nearby pantries with contact information, open hours, and everything needed to access food quickly. Alternatively, Virginians can call 211 for phone-based assistance connecting them with local resources.

A Community Responsibility

As this conversation reveals, food insecurity affects far more people than most realize—one in nine people across the food bank’s service area. These aren’t strangers or statistics; they’re neighbors, coworkers, and community members facing temporary crises that could happen to anyone.

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank stands ready to help, but they cannot do it alone. Through partnerships with local pantries, support from community donors and volunteers, and advocacy for systemic solutions, the organization continues fighting to ensure everyone has enough to eat.

In Janet’s words, it’s “a responsibility I do not take lightly”—and neither should any of us.

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank: Heat or Eat

blue ridge area food bank heat or eat pod

With the holiday season in full swing, many of us are reminded to give back. Yet, for thousands in the Valley, hunger is a persistent, year-round struggle. In a recent episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, to discuss the ongoing fight against food insecurity and the innovative ways the community is coming together to help. Click here to listen.

Coordinating Compassion: Food Drives and Partnerships

Les explains that the weeks around the holidays are particularly challenging. Many food pantries close temporarily, giving volunteers a much-needed break, but this can leave families in need scrambling for support. Fortunately, local organizations coordinate to ensure that when one pantry closes, another remains open. This spirit of collaboration, rather than competition, sets food assistance nonprofits apart.

The pair highlight the impact of community-driven food drives, such as “Scouting for Food” and the “Stamp Out Hunger” campaign by letter carriers. These initiatives make it easy for residents to donate—simply leave a bag of food by your mailbox, and volunteers do the rest. Over the years, these efforts have delivered millions of pounds of food to those in need, demonstrating the power of collective action.

Supper Club: Sustaining Support Beyond the Holidays

While one-time donations are vital, Les emphasizes the importance of sustaining support. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s “Supper Club” offers a simple way for individuals to become monthly donors, providing a steady stream of resources that allows the organization to plan and respond to needs throughout the year. Janet shares her own experience joining the Supper Club, noting how easy and impactful it is—just $10 a month can provide over 300 meals.

Beyond Food: The Ripple Effect of Assistance

Food assistance does more than fill empty stomachs. Les points out that when families receive food, they can redirect limited funds to other essentials, such as heating, transportation, or healthcare. They discuss the economic ripple effects of government shutdowns and changes to SNAP benefits, which can suddenly increase demand at food banks. Moreover, the rising cost of healthcare and utilities forces many to make difficult choices—sometimes between heating their homes and buying groceries.

Health, Dignity, and Community Well-Being

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is also committed to supporting community health. Through programs like “Food is Medicine” and the Healthy Pantry initiative, the organization ensures that fresh produce and nutritious options are available to those managing chronic illnesses. Les and Janet agree that access to healthy food is a cornerstone of both individual and community well-being.

The Power of Volunteering and Paying It Forward

As the conversation draws to a close, both hosts encourage listeners to consider volunteering—not just during the holidays, but all year long. Volunteering, they note, is not only good for the community but also deeply rewarding for those who give their time. Many who support the food bank have themselves experienced food insecurity and now seek to pay it forward.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Ultimately, the fight against hunger is a collective effort that requires ongoing support, creativity, and compassion. Whether through monthly giving, organizing a food drive, or volunteering, every action counts. As Les reminds us, hunger doesn’t take a holiday—and neither should our commitment to helping our neighbors.

Holiday Traditions Unwrapped: Local Leaders Share Their Stories

holiday traditions pod

As the holiday season sweeps through the Valley, host of The Valley Today, Janet Michael invites listeners to step into the warmth of community traditions in a special episode. This festive conversation, woven from interviews with local leaders, business owners, and community members, offers a delightful tapestry of Christmas customs, heartfelt memories, and a few friendly debates. Click here to listen.

The Great Tree Debate: Real or Artificial?

The episode opens with a question that sparks instant nostalgia: Are you a real Christmas tree person or do you prefer artificial? Krista Shifflett of the Warren Coalition confesses her lifelong love for real trees, though practicality has recently nudged her toward artificial options. Similarly, Celeste Brooks shares that allergies in her family have made artificial trees a necessity, while others, like Les Sinclair of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, opt for convenience over tradition. The conversation reveals that, for many, the choice between real and artificial is shaped by family needs, safety, and even the presence of pets.

Decking the Halls: Timing and Traditions

Transitioning from tree types to timing, Janet asks her guests when they put up and take down their decorations. Some, like Robyn Miller of WATTS, stick to the classic post-Thanksgiving setup, while others, such as Victoria Armstrong Kidd of the Hideaway Cafe, admit to keeping their trees up well into February. The reasons vary—busy schedules, a love for the festive glow, or simply not wanting to let go of the season’s magic.

Gift-Giving Rituals: Wrapping, Bagging, and the Art of Shopping

No holiday conversation is complete without discussing gifts. The guests reveal a spectrum of shopping habits, from early planners who finish by Thanksgiving to last-minute dashers picking up presents on Christmas Eve. The art of wrapping also comes under the spotlight, with some guests proudly identifying as “wrappers” who cherish the ritual, while others embrace the practicality of gift bags—especially when time is short or the recipient is a pet with a penchant for unwrapping.

Christmas Eve vs. Christmas Morning: When to Open Gifts?

Another beloved tradition—when to open gifts—elicits a variety of responses. Some families uphold the anticipation of Christmas morning, while others allow a sneak peek on Christmas Eve, often in the form of a single present or a special family ritual. These small differences highlight the unique ways each household creates its own holiday magic.

A Patchwork of Community Spirit

Throughout the episode, Janet’s guests share more than just their traditions; they offer a glimpse into the values that bind the Valley community. Whether it’s the joy of decorating multiple trees, the chaos of wrapping gifts at the last minute, or the comfort of gathering with loved ones, these stories remind us that the heart of the holidays lies in togetherness and shared memories.

Conclusion: Celebrating What Matters Most

As the conversation draws to a close, Janet encourages listeners to reflect on their own traditions and perhaps borrow a few new ideas from her guests. In a season often marked by hustle and bustle, this episode serves as a gentle reminder to savor the moments, embrace the quirks, and celebrate the connections that make the holidays truly special in the Valley.

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank reaches 1 million lbs in food donations

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank reports by email that their 2025 Scouting for Food campaign has surpassed total contributions to over 1 million pounds of food.

This historic milestone is an 11,000-pound increase over last year’s campaign.

During this year’s campaign there were 52,868 pounds of food collected along with $195 in donations which would be enough to provide about 600 meals, in total all donations equates to just under 45,000 meals for people living with food insecurity.

Local Scout Troops from Shenandoah Area and Virginia Headwaters assisted in the distribution of door hangers encouraging donations to the food bank in an effort to end hunger across Central and Western Virginia.

Livia Marrs, a volunteer and food drive manager said “We are deeply grateful to the Scouts, their families, and the community. This year’s drive alone provided more than 44,000 meals, and together we’ve surpassed 1 million pounds of food collected over more than a decade. It’s a testament to the power of collective action, The Scouting for Food drive shows how neighbors can come together to help solve hunger, every day.”

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Feeding Hope: Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s Fight Against Hunger

blue ridge area food bank

On the last day of Camping for Hunger Week, Janet Michael, host of “The Valley Today,” welcomes Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, to discuss the challenges, triumphs, and the power of community support. Click here to listen.

Navigating Uncertainty: The Lingering Impact of Crisis

The conversation quickly turns to the aftermath of the recent government shutdown and its ripple effects. Les explains that while federal employees have returned to work, the economic consequences linger. Many families remain in arrears, struggling to catch up on bills and basic needs. Moreover, uncertainty around SNAP benefits and rising healthcare premiums continues to weigh heavily on vulnerable households. As Les notes, the demand for food assistance surged during the shutdown and shows no sign of abating.

The Power of Community: Giving and Receiving

Despite these challenges, Janet and Les celebrate the community’s remarkable generosity. Time and again, individuals who once relied on food pantries return as donors, eager to give back. Les shares stories of federal workers volunteering their time even while facing hardship themselves, and of families who, after receiving help, now deliver food to others in need. This full-circle giving, they agree, is the glue that binds the community together.

Every Contribution Counts: Dollars, Hours, and Kindness

Transitioning to the topic of donations, Janet and Les emphasize that every contribution—no matter how small—makes a difference. Les highlights the food bank’s efficiency, turning a single dollar into more than three meals. Janet adds that volunteering, even for just an hour, can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to join the cause. The food bank relies on thousands of volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute food, and new opportunities for involvement are always available.

Beyond Food: Innovation and Partnerships

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s impact extends beyond food distribution. Les describes programs like the Partner Impact and Innovation Grants, which provide local pantries with essential equipment such as freezers and coolers. Strategic partnerships with retailers like Walmart and Martins ensure that surplus food is redirected to those who need it most. Additionally, the food bank facilitates direct connections between pantries and corporate donors, streamlining the process and maximizing the reach of every donation.

Volunteering: A Pathway to Connection

Janet and Les encourage listeners to consider volunteering, whether as individuals or with family and friends. Not only does volunteering address immediate needs, but it also fosters new friendships and a sense of purpose. As Les points out, sharing positive volunteer experiences can inspire others, multiplying the impact across the community.

The Need Never Ends: Looking Beyond the Holidays

As the holidays approach, Janet reminds listeners that the need for food assistance persists year-round. Les echoes this sentiment, noting that hunger doesn’t take a holiday. The food bank serves over 171,000 people each month, and that number can spike dramatically during crises. With the cost of living rising, especially in Virginia, ongoing support is essential.

Conclusion: The Call to Action

In closing, Janet and Les urge everyone to contribute in whatever way they can—donating food, money, or time. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s website: https://www.brafb.org/ offers resources for those seeking help or wishing to give back. As Camping for Hunger Week wraps up, the spirit of generosity and community endures, proving that together, small acts can fuel big change.

Hunger in the Valley: The Ripple Effects of a Government Shutdown

government shutdown food

When the federal government grinds to a halt, the effects extend far beyond the paychecks of federal employees. In a recent episode of “The Valley Today,” host Janet Michael talks with Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, to unpack the cascading consequences of a government shutdown on local families, businesses, and the broader community. Click here to listen.

More Than Just Federal Workers

Les quickly dispels the myth that only federal workers feel the pinch during a shutdown. In Virginia alone, over 249,000 military personnel and 30,000 federal employees face immediate financial uncertainty. However, as Les explains, the ripple effect is much broader. When these workers stop spending, local restaurants see fewer customers, wait staff lose tips, and small businesses experience a drop in sales. This economic slowdown forces more families—many for the first time—to seek help from food banks and pantries.

Rising Costs, Shrinking Paychecks

Transitioning to the topic of inflation, Janet and Les highlight the mounting challenges families face as the cost of essentials like food, housing, and childcare continues to climb. Les notes that in just three years, food prices have risen by 18%, housing by over 20%, and daycare costs in some areas now outpace college tuition. For many, paychecks have not kept up, and a missed paycheck due to a shutdown can quickly spiral into a crisis.

Food Banks: A Lifeline in Uncertain Times

Amid these challenges, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and its network of 400 partner pantries serve as a critical safety net. Les describes how the food bank sources food from large corporations, local stores, and the USDA, ensuring that no one who seeks help is turned away. The organization’s “Food Finder” tool makes it easy for anyone in need to locate nearby pantries, and BRAFB emergency food boxes are always available.

Breaking the Stigma

Despite the growing need, many people hesitate to seek help due to stigma or misconceptions about food pantries. Janet and Les address these concerns head-on, emphasizing that pantries offer high-quality, nutritious food—including fresh produce and name-brand items—without judgment. They also explain that while some data collection is necessary for government-supplied food, the process is designed to be as respectful and unobtrusive as possible.

Community Support: More Than Just Donations

As the conversation wraps up, both Janet and Les encourage listeners to support their local food banks and pantries—not just with food or money, but also with their time. Volunteers are always in need, whether for administrative work, driving, or simply lending a hand during busy periods. Les reminds the audience that every dollar donated to Blue Ridge Area Food Bank can provide more than three meals, making financial contributions especially impactful.

What to do if SNAP benefits aren’t delivered in November

Several sources are reporting that November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be delayed.

Due to the Federal Government shutdown SNAP November benefits may be delayed or canceled.

This is a nationwide issue, and should the government reopen, and funding be approved benefits are expected to be issued as quickly as possible.

If the government remains closed, benefits may not be issued for November.

October benefits can still be used but conservation of those benefits is recommended if possible.

The Virginia Department of Social Services has a hotline for updates as information becomes available at 1-800-552-3431.

Local Social Services do not have any additional information until an update from the federal government arrives.

Local Social Services can provide food services that are available in your area.

Additional help can be found by using the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank website by entering your zip code for food pantries in your area.

Your local C-CAP organization is also able to assist with the situation as well.

You can also contact your local food bank by using 211 for information on emergency food resources in your area.

This is an extremely fluid situation, and it is recommended that you monitor official channels daily for updates.

State and county SNAP offices well remain open and will continue to process applications however approval of new or ongoing cases for November benefits depends on federal government action.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation: Inside the Fight Against Food Insecurity with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

hunger action month

When most people think of hunger, they imagine distant places or rare circumstances. But as Janet Michael, host of “The Valley Today,” and her guest Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, reveal in their recent conversation – listen here – hunger is a persistent, often invisible challenge right here in our own communities—one that doesn’t care what month it is or what’s on the calendar.

Beyond Hunger Action Month: A Year-Round Crisis

September is recognized as Hunger Action Month, a time when organizations and advocates rally to raise awareness about food insecurity. But as Les points out, “Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. Hunger doesn’t have a calendar. Hunger doesn’t keep a schedule.” The need for food assistance is constant, affecting families, seniors, veterans, and individuals who may be working multiple jobs yet still struggle to put food on the table.

He shares a poignant story of a family forced to sell their couch and kitchen table just to afford food for their children, illustrating the tough choices many face. “It’s an invisible plight,” he says, noting that hunger often hides behind closed doors, affecting people who outwardly seem to be managing.

The Ripple Effects of Food Insecurity

The conversation delves into the broader impacts of hunger, from lost productivity in the workplace to the emotional toll on families. Janet & Les discuss how food is often the first thing sacrificed when money is tight—people skip meals to afford gas for work or pay essential bills. The consequences are far-reaching: children struggle to focus in school, adults become less productive at work, and the stress of food insecurity can lead to isolation and short tempers.

Les references the work of local organizations like Bright Futures, which supports children in need, and highlights the saying, “Hungry stomachs have no ears,” underscoring how difficult it is for children to learn when they’re hungry.

Community Solutions: Food Pantries and the Power of Giving

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, along with a network of local pantries and innovative community fridges, plays a crucial role in addressing hunger. Les explains how donations—whether food or money—are maximized through the food bank’s buying power, turning a single dollar into multiple meals. He also describes the logistical support the food bank provides, from refrigeration units to administrative assistance, ensuring that pantries can serve those in need efficiently.

Janet & Les celebrate the rise of community fridges, where anyone can anonymously donate food, and emphasize that every little bit helps. “If you can buy an extra gallon of milk or a bag of apples, you can make a difference,” Janet says.

The Policy Landscape: Government Shutdowns and Nutrition Programs

The discussion turns to the impact of government policies on food security. With the threat of a government shutdown looming, Les explains how federal employees and contractors—many living paycheck to paycheck—can suddenly find themselves in need of food assistance. The ripple effect extends to local businesses and the broader economy, as uncertainty leads people to cut back on spending.

Les also highlights the importance of federal nutrition programs like SNAP and the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which not only help individuals but also stimulate local economies. He urges listeners to advocate for strong, fully funded nutrition programs and to reach out to elected officials, noting that hunger is a bipartisan issue that affects everyone, regardless of background or political affiliation. Reach Congressman Ben Cline’s office here: https://cline.house.gov/

A Call to Action: Volunteer, Donate, Advocate

As the episode draws to a close, Janet and Les encourage listeners to get involved. Volunteerism is down nationwide, but the need is greater than ever. Whether it’s stocking shelves, offering administrative skills, or simply sharing information on social media, every contribution counts. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s website offers resources for finding local pantries, making donations, and signing up to volunteer.

“Hunger doesn’t care about your race, creed, or political party,” Les reminds us. “We just want to make sure people have the food they need so they can thrive.”

Conclusion

The fight against hunger is ongoing, and it requires the collective effort of individuals, organizations, and policymakers. As this conversation makes clear, everyone has a role to play—whether by donating, volunteering, or raising awareness. Because in the end, everyone deserves enough to eat.

Find more information by visiting the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank at BRAFb.org.