NORTHERN NECK FOOD BANK

The Northern Neck Food Bank, in cooperation with Feed More, Inc./Central Virginia Food Bank, will be undergoing some drastic changes in the way that food is distributed to people in our community.  The reason for these changes is because the ability to find sources of food is becoming more and more difficult, while the demand for food continues to grow.  In order to make sure that food is properly distributed throughout the five counties we serve (Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland and Middlesex), the following steps are necessary and will be put into effect beginning February 1.

FEBRUARY:

Every bag of food that is distributed through our partner agencies (food pantries and organizations) will have a flyer explaining the new policies to the recipients who receive food.

MARCH:

Every family who wishes to receive supplemental food from our partner agencies will have new paperwork filled out for them when they come to pick up food.  The information we will be asking for is the following: Name of head of household, the 911 address AND mailing address for every household, telephone number, the combined income of the household, the names and date of birth of all dependents, and whether anyone in the household receives assistance such as SNAP, TANF, SSI, or disability benefits.  The head of household will then choose the pantry they wish to be a member of, and they will only be able to visit this pantry 1 time per month. The recipients must then sign a Release of Information (ROI) that allows the Northern Neck Food Bank to share this information with our partner agencies (food pantries and organizations), and the use of their NON-CONFIDENTIAL information to be used for statistical purposes only for general distribution.   The confidential information that we receive will only be distributed to our partner agencies and organizations and will NOT be distributed to other individuals and organizations (Government and Non-government).

APRIL:

The Northern Neck Food Bank will be completing the database for all five counties and will issue each household a card with their name on it and the name of the pantry that they have chosen to become a member of.

MAY:

The pantries will give each recipient that has signed up their membership card when they visit their declared pantry.

We know that these changes will be difficult for some, but the reason is very simple: we need to make sure that EVERYONE who needs food is able to get it.  If you have any questions about these new policies and the creation of the central database system, please call the Northern Neck Food Bank at 804-577-0246.