HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) – The largest food drive in Hampton Roads is now officially underway!
Friday kicked off the 28th annual Mayflower Marathon, put on by FM99 and 106.9 and sponsored by the Hampton Roads Show. Each year, the drive raises thousands of pounds of food and money for many local foodbanks.
According to Feeding America, over 11% of people in Hampton Roads are food insecure.
10 On Your Side’s Raven Payne spoke to George Wood, a volunteer who gave a cash donation, about why this event is so important.
“This gives an opportunity to put together money and food so that those people can have food on the table,” Wood said. “Kids shouldn’t have to go without food, adults shouldn’t either.”
Throughout the weekend, people will be able to donate food and money at Lynnhaven Mall, the Kroger’s at Coliseum Central, North Suffolk and Tabb, and at the Moyock Welcome Center. All donations will go toward the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore and the Foodbank of the Albemarle.
A list of donatable items can be found below. People are urged to check expiration dates before donating.
- Turkeys, hams and other traditional Thanksgiving sides
- Lean canned protein: Peanut butter, tuna, chicken, turkey, beans
- Fruits and vegetables: Canned fruits and vegetables, pasta sauce, 100% fruit juice, fruit preserves, dried fruit
- Whole grains: Cereal, pasta, oatmeal, family-sized box rice, crackers
- Meals: Soups, stews, boxed meals, canned pasta
- Money: Cash, checks and credit card will be accepted
Specific donation times and locations can be found below:
- Kroger at Coliseum Central — Nov. 22-24: Donations will be accepted in the parking lot from Friday at 5:30 a.m. through Sunday at 3 p.m.
- Lynnhaven Mall — Nov. 22-24: Donations will be accepted in the parking lot off of S Lynnhaven Mall entrance from Friday at 5:30 a.m. through Sunday at 3 p.m.
- Kroger at Victory Blvd — Nov. 22-24: Open on Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. through 3 p.m.
- Kroger at University Blvd — Nov. 22-24: Open on Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. through 3 p.m.
- Moyock Welcome Center — Nov. 22-23: Open on Friday from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. through 3 p.m.