Food banks get financial boost

The Dominion Foundation announced a $1.1 million donation yesterday to help feed the growing number of struggling families in 14 states.

The announcement was made at the Central Virginia Foodbank in Richmond to draw attention to its programs and to remind people that all donations help, said Thomas F. Farrell II, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Dominion Resources Inc.

The donation from the charitable arm of the energy company will provide 21.4 million pounds of food through food banks in communities where Dominion Resources operates, officials said.

We hope this contribution "will help bring a little holiday cheer to those who need it so much," Farrell said during a news conference that followed a tour of the warehouse, from which at least 50,000 pounds of food is distributed daily.

Farrell was joined by Fay Lohr, chief executive officer of FeedMore, the umbrella organization overseeing the Central Virginia Foodbank and Meals On Wheels; Bob McDonnell, Virginia attorney general; and George Braley, senior vice president, Feeding America.

The demand for emergency food assistance is 25 percent higher in Virginia food banks this year and 30 percent higher elsewhere, Braley said.

Additional resources are needed as people are rocked by a troubled economy, including those who never needed food aid before, said Lohr.

"We're seeing a different person. People who have never asked for anything" but now are having to cope with layoffs and no health insurance.

More than half of the $1.1 million grant, or $555,000, is going to food banks in Virginia and North Carolina. The remaining grants are: $250,000 in Ohio; $70,000 in Pennsylvania; $70,000 in West Virginia; $70,000 among Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York.

Also, $50,000 among Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana; $20,000 in Maryland, and $20,000 in Texas.

Braley called on others to help, including nonprofits, corporations, government and individuals. Each month, 3,000 volunteers are needed, including 450 in the kitchen.

Joy L. Lynch was among the Dominion Virginia Power employees volunteering in the warehouse at 1415 Rhoadmiller St. yesterday.

"It's good to give back and help people less fortunate," said Lynch, who plans to help out more often.

Mary Greene not only sorted items but also brought her son, William, 11, so he could volunteer.

"He understands why we need to be here," said Greene, who also plans to volunteer regularly.

Dominion said its employees and charitable foundation invested more than $20 million and 100,000 volunteer hours this year in programs aiding residents in the states where Dominion operates.
Contact Robin Farmer at (804) 649-6312 or .