NORFOLK, Va. - The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia is concerned about being able to help the community now that Farm Fresh is closing. The foodbank relied on the grocer for $50,000 and more than 1.5 million pounds of food.
CEO Ruth Jones Nichols said she was on vacation when Farm Fresh announced their closing. She heard about the closing on Facebook when the community talked about the loss of the grocer's fried chicken.
"It's so much bigger than fried chicken. Farm Fresh has been a critical community partner for our foodbank, donating on average 1.5 million pounds of food each year," said Jones Nichols.
She's concerned about the families who rely on the foodbank, especially as summer approaches. She added losing breakfast and lunch in school really puts extra stress on families when school is out and without Farm Fresh's generous contributions, stock at the foodbank could run low.
Those who are interested in helping the foodbank can donate both non-perishable foods and money.
"We can make a $1 stretch into three meals, so that's what we prefer," said Jones Nichols.
