Update: this directory is updated each year. You can access the latest version of the directory at cfnrv.org/thrive at anytime.
The CFNRV is pleased to announce the release of the The NRV Food Assistance Directory 2019-2020. Created as part of the Foundation’s Thrive Initiative, it is the first guide of its kind. The directory provides a comprehensive overview of available food assistance programs and services in the NRV.
Food security remains a serious challenge in the region. 10% of families and one in five children in the NRV experience issues with hunger or food hardship. To help address this challenge, the directory fills a critical need for information around food access opportunities in the NRV.
Started in 2016, Thrive is focused on expanding access to healthy food in the New River Valley (NRV). Over 90 organizations play a direct or indirect role in providing food access. Over time, the initiative evolved from a series of conversations to a formal Food Access Network. The network includes a leadership team overseeing progress on a data-informed set of priorities. The directory was a major collaborative effort to centrally identify and document resources. These resources that had previously been decentralized across individual websites, flyers, locations, etc., by the Thrive Information Sharing Working Group.
Collaboration is key in developing resources
The process of creating the directory itself helped to build relationships. The project made new connections between working group members and food access advocates and organizations across the region. These connections have led to new collaborations, such as those highlighted in the recent Emergency Food Program Infrastructure Grants.
In addition to the directory, the working group developed The NRV Food Access Report. This report includes data on the extent of food insecurity in the region, barriers to food access for both individuals and hunger relief organizations, and stories of innovative programs and partnerships in the region. Curious to access other data about our region? Visit the New River Valley Regional Commission’s website here.
The directory and report will benefit both social service providers and individuals seeking resources. Executive Director of the CFNRV, Jessica Wirgau, said, “The dual outcomes of producing more collaboration among food access providers and raising awareness about their services and offerings in a central, easy to access location is a huge win for the NRV. I hope community members and social service providers will use the directory to visit the many organizations already serving our area. We also hope that they use the report’s data to support and inspire further efforts to address food insecurity in our community.
The directory can be accessed on the Thrive page here. For more information, contact Jessica Wirgau at jessicawirgau@cfnrv.org. If you would like to make a donation to help tackle food security challenges in the NRV you can make a donation to the Community Foundation at: https://cfnrv.org/giving/give-now/.