*COVID-19 UPDATE* In order to ensure the safety of our participants and leaders, FEAST Virginia is currently not meeting in person until future notice. Please sign up for our newsletter here to stay healthy, safe and connected.
WHY F.E.A.S.T.?
Food. There are multiple food deserts locally where people lack access to wholesome, fresh food. After each weekly course, every participant will go home with all of the ingredients necessary to prepare a nutritious meal for their family. Giving people access to healthy food is the first step to solving food insecurity.
Education. Almost as important as access to food itself is the knowledge of how to prepare it in a nourishing and budget friendly way. Inadequate nutrition has a plethora of negative health effects that are currently plaguing our community including hypertension, obesity and diabetes. When a struggling parent learns how to prepare healthy food affordably, families begin to see a future without illness.
Access. Through a 12 week course we provide food education, nutrition training and a safe sharing space for these families by training instructors to teach a program of easy, healthy and inexpensive meals. These trainers then conduct the program for residents in their communities that are cut-off from access to affordable nutritious food.
Support. Utilizing hands-on community involvement, we also provide a support group for these families. Our small force of trainers work directly with churches, community centers, aid agencies, housing communities, and community game changers to stand in the gap between where people live and lives falter.
Together. FEAST serves up hope, healing and compassion in equal measures. By teaching a sustainable skill, we are ensuring that we can indeed “make a place at the table” for everyone in Hampton roads.
Education. Almost as important as access to food itself is the knowledge of how to prepare it in a nourishing and budget friendly way. Inadequate nutrition has a plethora of negative health effects that are currently plaguing our community including hypertension, obesity and diabetes. When a struggling parent learns how to prepare healthy food affordably, families begin to see a future without illness.
Access. Through a 12 week course we provide food education, nutrition training and a safe sharing space for these families by training instructors to teach a program of easy, healthy and inexpensive meals. These trainers then conduct the program for residents in their communities that are cut-off from access to affordable nutritious food.
Support. Utilizing hands-on community involvement, we also provide a support group for these families. Our small force of trainers work directly with churches, community centers, aid agencies, housing communities, and community game changers to stand in the gap between where people live and lives falter.
Together. FEAST serves up hope, healing and compassion in equal measures. By teaching a sustainable skill, we are ensuring that we can indeed “make a place at the table” for everyone in Hampton roads.
THE PROBLEM IN NUMBERS:
Before COVID-19... among the people living in Norfolk 13.9% were food insecure, totaling 34,190.
This includes 8,910 children, signifying a child food insecurity rate of 18.9% (Feeding America)
In Hampton Roads specifically, 184,820 people were estimated to be food insecure, or 10% of the population (ODU study)
Today, while exact numbers are not yet available, food insecurity in the state of Virginia is estimated to have risen by 50% since the onset of the pandemic, totaling 1.29 million people.
Given that the average meal cost in Norfolk is $3.15, an additional $18,999,000 is needed to meet the food need.
Our program not only provides our community with food but also with sustainable knowledge that will last a lifetime. Help us do our part to address the food insecurity problem in Hampton Roads by signing up to become a leader, participating in a group, or by making a donation today.
This includes 8,910 children, signifying a child food insecurity rate of 18.9% (Feeding America)
In Hampton Roads specifically, 184,820 people were estimated to be food insecure, or 10% of the population (ODU study)
Today, while exact numbers are not yet available, food insecurity in the state of Virginia is estimated to have risen by 50% since the onset of the pandemic, totaling 1.29 million people.
Given that the average meal cost in Norfolk is $3.15, an additional $18,999,000 is needed to meet the food need.
Our program not only provides our community with food but also with sustainable knowledge that will last a lifetime. Help us do our part to address the food insecurity problem in Hampton Roads by signing up to become a leader, participating in a group, or by making a donation today.
