Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia

About Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia’s recent giving is defined by grocery rescue capacity: the largest grants go to faith-based and community food sites to expand the amount of rescued food they can receive and distribute. In 2025, Burning Bush Worship Center in Norfolk received $89,744 for that purpose, followed closely by Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach at $85,744 and More Than Conquerers Ministries in Virginia Beach at $85,656. The pattern points to a funder focused on strengthening local food access through churches, ministries, and neighborhood pantry sites rather than through advocacy or broad program grants. That operating logic shows up across several partner types. The foundation repeatedly backs organizations that need refrigeration, freezer space, storage, or broader pantry capacity so they can handle more food and move it quickly into community distribution. Chincoteague Island Food Closet received $56,200 to expand grocery rescue capacity, while Hampton Roads Armed Services YMCA received $38,530 for the same purpose. Alongside those larger awards, smaller capacity grants support local pantry infrastructure, TEFAP readiness, and food-handling logistics across Southeastern Virginia. The result is a grant portfolio centered on practical upgrades that keep food moving through existing community-based networks.

What Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia Funds

A major theme is grocery rescue expansion. The foundation awarded $79,744 to Greater Works Community Outreach Ministries in Suffolk to expand grocery rescue capacity, and $30,000 to Oasis Social Ministry in Portsmouth for the same purpose. These grants suggest a strong interest in getting more rescued food into local distribution channels. Pantry infrastructure is another clear area of support. Isle of Wight Christian Outreach Program in Smithfield received $20,390 for pantry capacity, including food storage, refrigeration and freezer, while Providence UCC in Chesapeake received $12,192 for the same kind of equipment-backed support. Heritage Church Ministries Inc in Chesapeake also received $12,000 for pantry capacity tied to food storage, refrigeration and freezer. The foundation also supports TEFAP-related capacity. Bloxom Food Pantry in Hallwood received $12,000 for expand grocery rescue and TEFAP capacity, showing attention to the operational side of public food assistance in rural settings.

How Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia Gives