Dominion’s major grant to food banks

On Monday, December 22, along with Providence Supervisor Linda Smyth, I attended the local announcement of a major grant to area food banks by the Dominion Power Foundation.

The announcement took place at Food for Others, a food bank serving people of limited means in the greater Falls Church-Merrifield area. The Foundation announced a $1 million dollar grant to food banks in Dominion’s service area. That grant will allow 3 million meals to be served to needy families in the metropolitan D.C. area and beyond.

All area food banks are facing increased demand and limited resources.

I join Supervisor Smyth in thanking Dominion for its major contribution.

While supplies can handle immediate requests, area food banks will soon be facing much heavier demands.

Governor Kaine includes $1,000,000 for food banks

Last week Governor Kaine announced his budget amendments. In order to address a $2.7 billion shortfall, his cuts included sharp reductions in public education and in Medicaid funding for services to the poor, plus reductions in state aid to colleges and universities. The Governor did, however, add $1,000,000 in state funds for food banks serving needy Virginians.

More needed…

I would urge all who can to join our family in making a contribution now to Food for Others at 2938 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, Va. 22031 (703.207.9173)-or to other organizations providing food and essential services as we face increasing unemployment and declining revenues at all levels of government.

Town meetings set

Each year before the General Assembly begins to tackle its legislative agenda, I join a few Senate and House colleagues in holding town meetings to take suggestions and concerns from our constituents.

On Jan. 3 at 10 a.m. at the McLean Community Center, I will be joined by Senator Janet Howell and Delegate Margi Vanderhye in holding the first town meet.

On January 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Falls Church Community Center, I will be joined by Senator Mary Margaret Whipple for the second town meeting. I hope to see you at one of them.