Food banks say regional PB&J drive fits Hunger Action Month and speeds aid to children

Jeremy Rod, Director of Community Engagement at the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, told the kickoff audience the drive intentionally aligns with Hunger Action Month and urged action rather than just awareness. "Hunger Action Month isn't about saying, oh, no, there's a problem. It's about starting to take steps towards resolving that problem," he said.

Bob Lathas of the Peninsula Food Bank described an increase in need the past year and emphasized that in‑kind donations such as jars of peanut butter and jelly can be turned into meals quickly through partner networks. He said a substantial share of those newly served are children, though exact figures and breakdowns were not fully specified in the remarks.