Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Students from Albemarle County High School and Tandem Friends School are stepping up to fight food insecurity through the annual Blue Ridge Area Food Bank School Food Drive. Lily Stendig, the student coordinator at Albemarle High, has been involved since her freshman year and believes the effort is essential. “Once you become aware of this issue, it feels silly and just hard not to get involved,” she said. Sofia Smith, who is the student coordinator at Tandem Friends, emphasized the values instilled by her Quaker school, saying, “We’re very encouraged to get involved and help others on the pillars of Quakerism.” 

The food drive, now in its 14th year, includes 31 schools and organizations across the Charlottesville and Shenandoah Valley regions. Students not only collect food donations but also participate in a new fundraising component. The friendly competition among schools adds motivation, as participants compete for bragging rights as the top contributors. Despite their busy academic schedules, students like Lily and Sophia see their involvement as a natural extension of their values, supported by their schools and families. 

Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, praised the students’ dedication. “Just to think about these young people that are really coming together to make this difference… it’s just inspiring,” he said. With the drive expanding into the Valley this year, organizers hope to increase its impact and continue creating a culture of service among students. 

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