1/11/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin along with AARP of West Virginia today announced West Virginia’s participation in the “Drive to End Hunger”, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing problem of hunger across the country.
“No one should go hungry. During the giving season, we began the important task of feeding our fellow neighbors,” Governor Tomblin said. “I want to encourage all West Virginians to continue the effort as hunger does not end when the holidays are over.”
During last month’s holiday celebrations at the Governor’s mansion, visitors donated 1,929 pounds of food for those individuals and families in need. The food was distributed to those in need through the Mountaineer Food Bank and Huntington Area Food Bank.
Additionally, some visitors gave monetary donations to local food banks and the United Way to help the hungry this winter season.
According to a 2009 U.S. Census Bureau report, more than 108,000 West Virginia senior citizens live below the federal poverty level. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently ranked West Virginia as one of two states with the greatest increase in food insecurity. “Drive to End Hunger” focuses on solving the problem of hunger among older Americans through volunteer-led food drives, individual and corporate fundraising campaigns, and other efforts. West Virginia joins the national AARP, AARP Foundation, Hendrick Motorsports and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon in the effort to fight hunger.
As part of the campaign, Hendrick Motorsports has joined in the “Drive to End Hunger” by placing Jeff Gordon’s #24 Chevy car at the Town Center Mall Monday from noon to 8 p.m. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the mall, which will be collected for the Mountaineer Food Bank and the Huntington Area Food Bank. Collection bins for non-perishable food items will be available throughout the state at BB&T, Gino’s Pizza and Spaghetti House, and Tudor’s Biscuit World locations.
Contact Information
Jacqueline Proctor
304-558-2000