ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Winter weather is continuing in our region which can be challenging for some of the older residents. Therefore, the Local Office on Aging (LOA) is hosting its Soup for Seniors Food Drive.
The food drive will start on Wednesday, January 29 and goes through Wednesday, February 5. This will be a community-wide initiative to help stock the pantries of thousands of seniors in the region who face food insecurity and mobility issues during the winter months.
“Recent back-to-back snowstorms demonstrated exactly why programs like Soup for Seniors are crucial to our community,” says Ron Boyd, LOA president & CEO. “When severe weather strikes, many older adults become completely homebound, unable to safely access groceries and basic necessities.”
The campaign this year is looking to collect 50,000 pounds of non-perishable food for more than 3,000 older adults.
You can donate items at drop-off locations in the Roanoke Valley including the following:
- All Blue Eagle Credit Union locations
- First Bank locations
- Roanoke County Libraries
- Salem Public Library
- Vinton Public Library
- Vistar Eye Centers
Black Dog Salvage is also hosting a collection event on Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26. If you donate $10 worth of non-perishable items on these dates you can get 10% off a purchase at the store.
Volunteers are also needed from Friday, January 24 through February 10 to stock, pack, and deliver donations.
“Whether you have an hour or a day to give, you’ll be making a direct impact on a senior’s life,” says Boyd. “We have seen everyone from school children to business owners pitch in – it’s truly a Valley-wide effort.”
In 2024, the community donated more than 49,000 pounds of food that served more than 2,800 seniors. Many of the recipients are also clients of Meals on Wheels which serves residents of low-income, independent senior housing; and older adults receiving LOA’s transportation, case management and in-home care services.
Soups for Seniors is possible due to its sponsorships of the Salem Host Lions Club, and partnerships with AARP Virginia, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, WFJX FOX Radio 910 Roanoke, and other community organizations.
If you are interested in volunteering, you can sign up at loaa.org.