With the holiday season in full swing, many of us are reminded to give back. Yet, for thousands in the Valley, hunger is a persistent, year-round struggle. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, to discuss the ongoing fight against food insecurity and the innovative ways the community is coming together to help.

Coordinating Compassion: Food Drives and Partnerships

Les explains that the weeks around the holidays are particularly challenging. Many food pantries close temporarily, giving volunteers a much-needed break, but this can leave families in need scrambling for support. Fortunately, local organizations coordinate to ensure that when one pantry closes, another remains open. This spirit of collaboration, rather than competition, sets food assistance nonprofits apart.

The pair highlight the impact of community-driven food drives, such as "Scouting for Food" and the "Stamp Out Hunger" campaign by letter carriers. These initiatives make it easy for residents to donate—simply leave a bag of food by your mailbox, and volunteers do the rest. Over the years, these efforts have delivered millions of pounds of food to those in need, demonstrating the power of collective action.

Supper Club: Sustaining Support Beyond the Holidays

While one-time donations are vital, Les emphasizes the importance of sustaining support. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank's "Supper Club" offers a simple way for individuals to become monthly donors, providing a steady stream of resources that allows the organization to plan and respond to needs throughout the year. Janet shares her own experience joining the Supper Club, noting how easy and impactful it is—just $10 a month can provide over 300 meals.

Beyond Food: The Ripple Effect of Assistance

Food assistance does more than fill empty stomachs. Les points out that when families receive food, they can redirect limited funds to other essentials, such as heating, transportation, or healthcare. They discuss the economic ripple effects of government shutdowns and changes to SNAP benefits, which can suddenly increase demand at food banks. Moreover, the rising cost of healthcare and utilities forces many to make difficult choices—sometimes between heating their homes and buying groceries.

Health, Dignity, and Community Well-Being

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is also committed to supporting community health. Through programs like "Food is Medicine" and the Healthy Pantry initiative, the organization ensures that fresh produce and nutritious options are available to those managing chronic illnesses. Les and Janet agree that access to healthy food is a cornerstone of both individual and community well-being.

The Power of Volunteering and Paying It Forward

As the conversation draws to a close, both hosts encourage listeners to consider volunteering—not just during the holidays, but all year long. Volunteering, they note, is not only good for the community but also deeply rewarding for those who give their time. Many who support the food bank have themselves experienced food insecurity and now seek to pay it forward.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Ultimately, the fight against hunger is a collective effort that requires ongoing support, creativity, and compassion. Whether through monthly giving, organizing a food drive, or volunteering, every action counts. As Sinclair reminds us, hunger doesn't take a holiday—and neither should our commitment to helping our neighbors.