The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is gearing up for its annual School Food Drive, an initiative that has seen significant expansion this year. Now including schools in the Shenandoah Valley, the drive aims to engage more students in community service while addressing food shortages post-holiday season. Running from March 3 to March 21, the event also features a fundraising competition. This year’s student leaders are Lily Stendig from Albemarle High School and Sofia Smith from Tandem Friends School, who are set to inspire their peers to contribute to this noble cause.

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank has been organizing the School Food Drive since 2011, transforming it into a platform where young individuals can actively participate in community service. The drive has proven to be highly effective in mobilizing student involvement. Livia Marrs, a volunteer manager at the Food Bank, noted that the initiative not only fosters a sense of community but also significantly boosts food donations during a period when contributions typically dwindle after the holiday season. This year, the organizers decided to extend the program’s reach by inviting additional schools in the Shenandoah Valley to join the effort.

The extended participation highlights the growing recognition of the importance of involving youth in philanthropy and community support. The inclusion of new regions ensures that more students have the opportunity to make a difference in their communities. The drive will run for three weeks, during which participating schools will compete in both food collection and fundraising activities. Student leaders like Lily Stendig and Sofia Smith play a crucial role in rallying their peers to contribute generously.

To ensure the success of this expanded initiative, the Food Bank has set a deadline of February 21 for applications. Interested participants can sign up and begin preparing for the upcoming event. The organizers are optimistic about the increased involvement and the positive impact it will have on local communities. By engaging more students and covering a broader geographical area, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank aims to create a lasting legacy of community service and generosity.

The School Food Drive represents a vital component of the Food Bank’s mission to combat food insecurity. By broadening its scope, the initiative not only encourages greater participation from students but also helps address critical needs within the community. As the event unfolds, it promises to strengthen the bonds between schools, students, and the wider community, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual support. The drive serves as a powerful reminder of the collective power of small actions to effect meaningful change.