Taking a Bite Out of Hunger

End hunger With funding from AARP Foundation, AARP Virginia aims to develop food councils across the state to coordinate local efforts to fight hunger.

A new council in greater Prince William County, for example, is asking local nonprofit and faith-based organizations to participate in a survey at gpwfoodcouncil.org—and will use the results to develop a guide that can help emergency food providers share resources, best practices and funding opportunities. The council also connects providers with resources for programs such as after-school meals for children and stable sources of nutrition for veterans, the elderly and the homeless.

Nearly 12 percent of Virginians do not know where their next meal is coming from. People age 50-59 may be particularly at risk because they are not eligible for Social Security.

For tips on starting a food council in your community, email Brian Jacks at bjacks@aarp.org or call him at 540-266-0562.