For 30 years, MARCH has provided emergency food to individuals and families that are facing a crisis and in need of food.
MARCH is a program of United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg that provides emergency food for seven food pantries in low income neighborhoods in the City of Richmond. United Way meets all operational expenses so that 100% of all gifts to MARCH purchases food for those in need.
Last year, MARCH provided $44,320.82 in food to 29,688 individuals in crisis.
The People MARCH Serves
Many people in the Richmond community struggle daily to make ends meet. While soup kitchens feed Richmond's homeless, there are still many people who barely maintain themselves in a one room apartment or house, just one crisis away from homelessness.
They face difficult decisions about whether to pay for rent, fuel, medicine, or food. They include seniors, individuals with no support system, people escaping abusive situations, those recently discharged from a hospital or substance abuse program, those released from prison and many families with children.
Many of the people who are hungry are employed, but may work one or more part-time jobs and still not make enough to feed their families. Time limits or restrictions on government programs leave others ineligible for food stamps.
Making it Easier for People to get Help
2-1-1 is an intergral part of MARCH. By first calling, individuals and families who need food are directed to the nearest MARCH food site and given eligibility requirements for receiving food. Many who call 2-1-1 Virginia are seeking emergency food assistance for the first time. 2-1-1 is a great resource for church staffs, social service agencies, and anyone helping another to locate resources, not just food.
How to Locate Emergency Food in the Richmond, Va Area
To find out where emergency food is available nearest you and prevent wasted time and frustrations, dial 2-1-1.You will learn the name of the agency, its hours of operation, and what information to bring in order to receive food.A bag of emergency food will last a household about three days.2-1-1 Specialists can also provide you with information and referrals from our comprehensive database about other area resources that may help you.
CLICK HERE to find ways to support the work of MARCH.
