Norfolk, VA – December 10, 2020 – Today the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council (HRGCC) presented a $15,000 check to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks to support its state-wide efforts to fight hunger. HRGCC raised the funds through its online presentation of The Port of Virginia’s “2020 State of the Port” event, with The Port of Virginia itself contributing $5,000 to the Federation.

The State of the Port is an annual event presented by HRGCC, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting international commerce in the Hampton Roads region. This year, with the generous support of The Port of Virginia, event sponsors and over 1,500 online registrants, HRGCC eliminated the registration fee and instead asked registrants to donate to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.

“With the primary mission of the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council to bring together and serve industries in Hampton Roads, we clearly recognize the pandemic’s effect on our maritime, rail, trucking and air communities. Affected are the families and loved ones of our friends, associates and colleagues,” said Melinda Matthews, president of HRGCC. “Thanks to the generosity of all those who participated in the 2020 State of the Port, and The Port of Virginia’s $5,000 contribution, we are humbled and honored to have raised a $15,000 contribution for the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.” 

The Federation of Virginia Food Banks aims to grow the collective capacity of Virginia’s food banks and engage partners to end hunger in the Commonwealth. Even before the onset of COVID-19, over 842,000 Virginians worried about where their next meal would come from. Since then, food insecurity in Virginia has risen from 9.9% to more than 13.1%, meaning an additional 275,000 Virginians may need food assistance this year.

“Our seven-member food banks have gone the extra mile this year to ensure everyone has access to the food they need to thrive,” said Eddie Oliver, Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. “We are so grateful to have the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council and The Port of Virginia as committed partners in our mission to serve the one million Virginians who will experience food insecurity this year.”

“When the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council goes beyond its mission to help our community, it’s important that an organization like The Port of Virginia steps forward to support the effort,” said Thomas D. Capozzi, the port’s chief sales officer. “The effects of the pandemic are being felt in communities across our state, and HRGCC’s determination to raise money for the Federation of Virginia Food Banks will help a lot of people who are in need. The port cares about the well-being of Virginians and is proud to stand with the HRGCC by contributing to this great cause.”

The Federation of Virginia Food Banks is the largest hunger-relief network in the state, and additional donations are welcome at www.vafoodbanks.org.

About the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council (HRGCC)

Founded in the early 1950s, the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council (HRGCC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the international commerce of the United States through the Hampton Roads region and serving industries in Hampton Roads associated with international commerce. HRGCC provides education, information-sharing, and networking opportunities through a variety of formats, including virtual events, breakfasts, luncheons, and after-work meetings where members and guests have the opportunity to hear from and meet political, industry, and community leaders. Please visit www.hrgcc.org to learn more about HRGCC and become a member.

About the Virginia Federation of Food Banks

The Federation of Virginia Food Banks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit state association of food banks affiliated with Feeding America. The Federation supports the seven regional Virginia/Washington DC food banks in building partnerships, securing resources, sharing data, and raising awareness of food insecurity throughout the Commonwealth. Working together as the largest hunger relief network in the Commonwealth, Virginia’s seven regional food banks distributed 118 million pounds of food through 1,560 agency partners in 2019. Collectively, we serve approximately 1 million people on an annual basis. Learn more at www.vafoodbanks.org.

About The Port of Virginia

The Virginia Port Authority (VPA) is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VPA owns and through its private operating subsidiary, Virginia International Terminals, LLC (VIT), operates four general cargo facilities: Norfolk International Terminals, Portsmouth Marine Terminal, Newport News Marine Terminal and the Virginia Inland Port in Warren County. The VPA leases Virginia International Gateway and Richmond Marine Terminal. A recent economic impact study from The College of William and Mary shows that The Port of Virginia helps to create more than 400,000 jobs and generate $92 billion in total economic impact throughout the Commonwealth on an annual basis.

For further information, please contact:

Kevin Speers, Board Member, HRGCC – info@hrgcc.org