ABC 13 Hosts Day of Giving to Fight Childhood Hunger

Donations to Blue Ridge Area Food Bank will support children in need across central and western Virginia.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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ABC13 is partnering with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to raise money and awareness through their "Souper Bowl of Caring" campaign this February. The food bank serves about 9,000 children every month in the region, with one in six children in Lynchburg facing food insecurity. The community's donations will help the food bank continue growing to meet the increasing demand for food assistance.

Why it matters

Childhood hunger is a persistent issue in central and western Virginia, with 17% of children at risk of not having a meal. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank plays a crucial role in providing food to families in need, but the demand has surged recently due to changes in government assistance programs and economic uncertainty. Community support through donations is vital to ensuring the food bank can continue serving vulnerable children.

The details

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is the largest hunger relief organization in the region, operating four warehouses across the state to distribute food to partner pantries. In October, the food bank saw its second biggest month of demand in its 44-year history. The organization attributes this to reductions in SNAP benefits, the government shutdown, and broader economic challenges.

  • The 'Souper Bowl of Caring' fundraising campaign runs throughout February 2026.
  • ABC13's 'Day of Giving' to support the food bank will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

The largest hunger relief organization in central and western Virginia, operating four warehouses to distribute food to partner pantries.

Les Sinclair

An employee at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

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What they’re saying

“Here in our community, we're serving about 9,000 children every single month.”

— Les Sinclair, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank employee

What’s next

Viewers are encouraged to donate to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank through ABC13's 'Day of Giving' on February 24, 2026 to support the fight against childhood hunger in the region.

The takeaway

Community support through donations is vital to ensuring the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank can continue serving vulnerable children and families facing food insecurity in central and western Virginia.