Gov. Bob McDonnell joined Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and members of the interfaith community in declaring Sept. 29, 2012, a “Day of Service” in Virginia. The regional effort will bring together members of the faith and non-profit community, Virginia’s food banks and engaged citizens to collect food donations and assist those in need.

Speaking about the Day of Service in Virginia, McDonnell said, “There’s precious little agreement on too many policy issues in Washington and state capitals, but we can all agree that the fight against hunger is an important one. Since 2006, food banks have seen a 54 percent increase in demand. The day to serve will be a tremendous opportunity to bring recognition to that need and to do something meaningful to meet it. I thank Elder Jack Gerard of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for bringing together these regional partners to make a real difference on the issue of hunger. I encourage all Virginians, in the days leading up to Sept. 29, to join me in contributing to this important effort. Whether it’s taking a day to help stock food pantry shelves, dropping off a bag of canned goods at a local donation bin or making a monetary contribution, every Virginian can participate in the day of service.”

McDonnell has long supported programs that help people in need put food on their table. In 2007, as attorney general, he spearheaded the “Statewide Legal Food Frenzy,” a philanthropic competition among Virginia’s legal community benefiting Food Banks statewide.

Earlier this year, he announced the creation of the “Governor’s Bowl” food and fund drive which partners with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Virginia Food Banks to challenge the business community to bring in food for its local food bank. That competition ran from Memorial Day to Independence Day, collecting food and funds during the summer months that typically see a drop-off in donations and a rise in need.

By: Contributing Author

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