The Virginia Food Access Coalition (VFAC) has released an updated version of the Virginia Roadmap to End Hunger for 2024. It covers the coalition’s (including VFAC member VPLC) work and goals surrounding child nutrition, emergency allotments, the farm bill, community food access, and more.

A few fast facts from the roadmap:

• End of pandemic-era programs and waivers resulted in higher food insecurity in 2023. Virginia food banks reported 5-10% increase in demand at pantries compared to the end of 2022.
• Food banks are experiencing declines in food donations and a decline in the volume of commodities made available through the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
• Grocery store prices grew as much as 12% year over year in 2022. As of October 2023, food inflation was 3.3%.
• The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participation increased 5.3% compared to 2022.

The roadmap outlines wins and opportunities for different policies related to alleviating hunger for Virginians.

Read the report below or in another tab.