Food Bank Announces Expansion to Meet Increasing Demand

Virginia Peninsula Foodbank Expands to Meet Increasing Food Insecurity

Hampton, VA — The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank is taking significant steps to address a growing crisis of food insecurity in the region. With the demand for food assistance skyrocketing, the food bank is set to double its storage capacity and enhance its capabilities in response to the pressing needs of the community.

The organization plans to acquire a 4.5-acre site at 112 Research Drive, currently owned by Hampton’s Economic Development Authority. A new facility, spanning approximately 14,000 square feet, will be constructed to serve as a storage and distribution hub for food, complemented by additional office, classroom, and meeting spaces.

CEO Bob Latvis emphasized that the decision to expand is driven by the escalating need for food assistance. “Area residents have not fully felt the effects of falling inflation rates,” he articulated, explaining that many families are still grappling with the repercussions of high food prices. From 2023 to 2024, the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank reported a staggering 35% increase in the number of individuals seeking support, reflecting a growing population struggling to access nutritious food.

Despite a gradual decline in consumer inflation, which peaked at 9.1% in 2022 and fell to its lowest point in three years as of September 2024, Latvis noted that food prices remain approximately 20% higher than they were three years ago. “While inflation may be dropping … not all prices for essential products required for a healthy diet are decreasing,” he pointed out. This reality is hard-hitting for families that struggle to put meals on the table.

Currently, the food bank operates from a facility on Aluminum Avenue, which has reached full capacity. With around 52,000 square feet of space, the existing building offers roughly 5,500 square feet dedicated to perishables. The new facility will allow for an additional 6,000 square feet of refrigerated storage — a vital necessity for the distribution of fresh produce and proteins.

“We typically face challenges in managing our supply efficiently,” Latvis stated, elaborating that the food bank often has to rent off-site storage space to accommodate excess food. This has led to dire situations where hundreds of thousands of pounds of fresh produce have been turned away due to capacity constraints. “Once we establish our own facility, we can redirect funds from off-site leasing to procure more food to serve our community,” he added.

At present, food insecurity affects an estimated 48,320 individuals on the Virginia Peninsula, which represents 8.8% of the local population. Alarmingly, a recent study by Feeding America indicates that this number is projected to rise to approximately 61,050 in 2024, demonstrating a clear need for immediate action. The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank aims to combat this issue head-on with its new storage facility, projecting an initial increase in food distribution by an additional 3 million pounds annually. This enhancement would represent a 25% boost in the food assistance the bank currently provides, translating into roughly 2.5 million more meals for those in need.

But the expansion includes more than just increased storage; it envisions a community hub for educational initiatives. The new facility will also incorporate space for community meetings, seminars, and healthy cooking demonstrations. Latvis explained that these seminars will focus on critical life skills including financial literacy, workforce development, and job-seeking skills, thus creating a holistic approach to not only alleviate food insecurity but also empower residents toward self-sufficiency.

The timeline for this ambitious project is hopeful, with plans to finalize the purchase of land by the end of this year and break ground in early 2025. Latvis estimates that construction will take around a year, meaning the new facility is expected to open by 2026.

Funding for this vital expansion is not just reliant on public support. Latvis indicated that the food bank has secured .7 million in federal grants to alleviate costs associated with land acquisition and construction. The organization is actively fundraising to cover the remaining expenses, highlighting the importance of community support to realize this vision.

As food insecurity continues to climb in the Virginia Peninsula, the work of organizations like the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank becomes increasingly critical. Their expansion promises not only to meet the immediate need for food assistance but also to foster a community where individuals can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty. Stay tuned for updates as this important initiative progresses.

For more information on how to donate or get involved, visit their website or contact the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank directly.