Feeding the Valley Food Bank kicks off Community Hunger Relief Fund

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Officials with Feeding the Valley announced on Thursday that it has established its Community Hunger Relief Fund, in light of the recent reductions of SNAP and Medicaid benefits. The nonprofit is calling on individuals, businesses, and community partners to help raise $500,000 through the newly launched fund.

The fund is targeted to expand food access, while strengthening the hunger relief program across its service throughout 18 counties. It will also help expand food sourcing efforts, grow meal delivery services, and launch a neighborhood market.

“Feeding the Valley remains steadfast in our mission to fight hunger, but we cannot meet the increased need that will result from the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Frank Sheppard, president and CEO of Feeding the Valley. “This legislation will deepen food insecurity for thousands in our region. With the increase in food insecurity in our service area and the food shortage we continue to experience, we cannot keep up with the current need for food as it is.”

Feeding the Valley says, for the last three years, food banks across the U.S. have been navigating through persistent food shortages that are triggered by higher grocery costs, a fragile supply chain, and a decline in government support for food commodity programs.

“We need the community to be engaged in this growing hunger crisis. Our goal is to raise $500,000 through the new Community Hunger Relief Fund, so that we can ramp up our efforts now and respond immediately and compassionately to our neighbors in need,” Sheppard said.

For more information on the Community Hunger Relief Fund, visit Feeding the Valley’s Relief page.