CHARLOTTSVILLE (WINA) – Some 74,000 meals have been provided for central Virginia families in the annual Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Shop to Stop Hunger event at the Rio Hill Kroger Tuesday morning. Five contestants who agreed to participate raised funds surrounding the event, then each got 60-seconds in the Kroger aisles to fill their carts with as much food as possible.

Among the participants was UVa lacrosse team captain and 2021 national champion Connor Shellenberger, who collected the highest value total of food inside the store.

UVa lacrosse captain Conner Shellenberger quick-shops food

When asked which was more stressful… the 10-second countdown ending his shopping excursion or the 10-seconds the Hoos had to hold off Maryland  in front of their goal crease in the 2021 national championship game, he said he was discussing with his girlfriend the night before this was as nervous as he’s been in awhile.

CAAR’s Ann Oliver, Sabrina Feggans with Beyond Fitness with Sabrina, Kate Purnell with Central Virginia Swim Services crammed carts with food.                                 CAAR’s Ann Oliver races down an aisle at her start

Rebecca Haydock with Central Virginia Small Business Development Center was the Golden Foot trophy winner collecting the most in fundraising and in the shopping cart. She said she sent out emails as the top overall fundraiser among the crew, as well.

Food Bank CEO Michael McKee said these 74,000 meals could not come at a more appropriate time. He says with the cost of everything up, and wages not keeping up with the cost of living, he says they’re seeing demand at the food pantries rivaling their peak during  the pandemic.