As part of a company commitment to fight hunger, Perdue Farms has delivered a $20,000 grant and 44,000 pounds of protein to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore to help children, seniors and families facing food insecurity.
The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, provided the grant to continue the company’s support for the Foodbank’s Backpack Program serving children on Virginia’s rural Eastern Shore. Combined with the truckload of protein, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore will be able to provide more than 36,600 meals to residents in Accomack and Northampton counties.
“One in eight people in our service area struggles with hunger every day, including a significant number of children,” said Charmin Horton, branch manager of the Eastern Shore branch of the Foodbank. “These wonderful gifts from long-time partner Perdue enables us to ensure children of the region have the nutrition they need. Nutritious protein is a high-value item at the Foodbank and helps provide wholesome meals for our neighbors.”
Horton explained that food-insecure children often rely on the free and reduced school meal program for consistent nutrition during the week. “But, the question is, ‘What happens to them over the weekend when there is no school.’ The answer is the Backpack Program.”
“Perdue remains committed to doing our part to ease the burden of hunger in our communities and beyond,” said Kim Nechay, executive director of the Perdue Foundation. “Our grant and protein donation reflect the decades-long commitment we have with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore to help them provide their clients the nourishment they need.”
