CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (BRAFB) has received 80,000 pounds of chicken as part of Perdue Farms’ “Fill the Food Gap” initiative. The new program is designed to address the growing crisis of food insecurity both in Virginia and nationwide. The effort begins with an immediate donation of 800,000 pounds of nutritious protein to food banks along the east coast, including in Virginia.

America’s food banks, including the seven located in Virginia, are facing unprecedented strain, with many reporting record demand and reduced resources. According to Feeding America, one in nine people in the Blue Ridge area are food insecure. That totals more than 182,000 individuals.

“Protein is some of the most in-demand product and some of the most expensive to purchase,” Les Sinclair, PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, told Cville Right Now, “so when an organization like Purdue makes a donation like this it really goes a long way.”

The chicken provided to the BRAFB will be distributed through its network of local pantries, soup kitchens, and community programs that serve central and western Virginia.

“The need for food assistance is higher than ever, affecting families, seniors, and working people across the Blue Ridge,” said Blue Ridge Area Food Bank CEO Kari Diener in a news release. Our vision is simple: nourishing food and good health for everyone, every day.”

The donations are a part of Perdue’s “Fill the Food Gap” initiative, designed to address the growing food insecurity crisis nationwide. The company, which operates a plant in Bridgewater, Va., has committed to continue its protein donations to its food bank partners, in addition to continuing its advocacy efforts and encouraging its associates to volunteer with local food banks.

Perdue is donating 800,000 pounds of chicken to food banks in the eastern region.

“When an organization like Perdue makes a donation like this, it really helps the food bank provide for the people in a way that we couldn’t do if we had to buy that,” Sinclair said. “It would be a real challenge.”

Since 2000, Perdue has delivered the equivalent of 89 million meals in its efforts to address food insecurity. The donations are made throughout the year to adapt to evolving short-term and long-term needs identified by its food bank partners.

“The urgency to address food insecurity has only grown this year,” said Todd Tillemans, Chief Commercial Officer at Perdue Farms. “With so many families relying on food banks that are stretched thinner than ever, we knew we had to act. Fill the Food Gap is about mobilizing Perdue’s resources and people to provide immediate relief in the communities where we operate and shine a light on a challenge too big to ignore.”

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank serves 25 counties and 8 cities through distribution centers in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Winchester, and its headquarters in Verona. Each month, the Food Bank supports an average of 171,200 guest visits with assistance from 400 community partners including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and program sites. Sinclair said given the increase in food insecurity in the area, the bank can’t thank Perdue enough for its continued support.

“We’re seeing unprecedented numbers of guest visits,” he said, “and when we get a partnership with a food organization to help provide and fill the gap, it really makes a big difference for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.”