Diversity Richmond helps over 500 families with food
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- Published: Thursday, October 08 2020

“After realizing the severity of the problem, we could not sit idly by and do nothing.”
Bill Harrison, Executive Director
The weather was beautiful and so were the hundreds of faces that gathered at our second food drive. Our main focus was to reach the Hispanic community, but everyone who attended was welcomed with open arms and more than a week’s supply of groceries.
Feed More donated over 8,000 pounds of vegetables along with pallets of frozen chicken and 250 hams. Diez Foods, after selling us items at cost, donated hundreds of culturally appropriate foods. Sylvia’s Sisters added feminine hygiene items and of course, our Diversity Richmond supporters contributed funds.
“This was a very humbling experience,” shared Cheezi Farmer, Diversity Board Chair. “Our plan was to open at 9:00 A.M, but cars were lined up an hour early. People were so appreciative. While most of us have never gone to bed hungry, we are surrounded by people who do.”
While the pandemic has affected all businesses, the hospitality industry, where Hispanic people work, has been especially hard hit. Many Hispanic people are employed as housekeepers, kitchen staff and landscaping. Countless numbers of people receiving food shared that they have been unemployed for weeks.
Volunteers worked the night prior, packing food bags, with lots more staffing the Saturday morning drive. “I loved doing this,” said Allison Shaffer. “I have volunteered with many projects over the years, but this one will always be one I remember. Thank you, Diversity Richmond for not only helping so many people, but for giving us the opportunity to be part of this.”
Another food drive is being scheduled for December. If you would like to support the work of Diversity Richmond, please use the link below.
Some of our wonderful volunteers help distribute vitamins donated by GSK