Loudoun Hunger Relief (LHR) has distributed over 1 million pounds of food to Loudoun families in need since the COVID-19 crisis began. In fact, in five months from March to July of 2020, LHR distributed 1,058,000 pounds of food including 275,000 pounds of fresh produce.
In those five months, we had nearly 14,000 household service interactions (about 55,000 individual service interactions). We've helped households comprised of individuals of all ages.
Plus, we provided other organizations, including Loudoun County Public Schools, Women Giving Back, smaller Loudoun pantries, the Loudoun County Department of Family Services and others with food for distribution to the people they serve.
Typically, LHR distributes between 1.4 and 1.6 million pounds of food and has about 64,000 individual service interactions in a twelve month period.The need for food since March is unprecedented. And the work has just begun.
Demand for emergency food services has drastically increased in Loudoun County during COVID. The number of families seeking our services increased from around 250 a week to about 800 a week at the peak. For many of these families, it's the first time they have ever needed food assistance, or assistance of any kind.
With your incredible support, we have scaled our operations up to meet the need for food among those experiencing unemployment and economic hardship. We’re proud to have been able to distribute over a million pounds of food in five months, but alarmed by the ongoing crisis that is making this effort necessary.
We're gearing up for the fall, with little idea of what we're up against. It's cliche, but we're planning for the worst and hoping for the best. You have already done so much, but there is more to be done now. We need your help to provide Loudoun residents with the food they will need throughout this fall and winter.
Please TAKE ACTION today to provide support for those in need during Hunger Action Month in September and beyond.
Ways to TAKE ACTION:
Donate Food! Food donations are most helpful if they are breakfast cereal, hearty soups, or canned tuna and chicken. Loudoun Hunger is open to receive donations six days a week at the Leesburg pantry location. Please see the website at loudounhunger.org for drop off times.
Donate Money! Your financial assistance offers us the most flexibility in getting the food we need at the time needed.
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