For many federal employees and contractors, this week could mark the first missed biweekly paycheck, while others have already gone without pay since the shutdown began.
To help those directly affected, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore will host a Shutdown Relief Mobile Distribution on Friday, October 17. The event is made possible through support from the City of Norfolk Department of Economic Development, Perdue, and Food Lion, and will take place from 11 am to 2 pm, or while supplies last, at Military Circle Mall (880 N. Military Hwy., Norfolk). The site was chosen for its central and accessible location between military bases and federal offices. The distribution will provide fresh produce, lean protein, and pantry staples for 500 households.
To help ensure a safe and equitable distribution, guests are asked to arrive with trunks empty and ready to receive food, remain in their vehicles during loading, and wait for a signal before pulling forward. All vehicles should enter the site via Poplar Hall Drive.
“Shutdowns create instability in people’s lives each day they continue,” said Christopher Tan, President and CEO of the Foodbank. “We’ve been here before, and we know what it takes to respond. The men and women who serve our country, and those who serve alongside them as civilian or contract employees, deserve to know that their community is here for them.”
The Foodbank organized this pop-up distribution not only to reach those newly affected but also to ease the burden on partner pantries already reporting longer lines and increased demand. Staff from every department have stepped away from their usual duties to make this distribution possible, demonstrating what it means to stand with our community in a moment of need.
As the shutdown continues, the Foodbank is looking beyond this week’s event to ensure support remains steady across the region.
“We’re monitoring data across our service area to identify where those lines are growing the fastest,” Tan continued. “We’ll continue to adjust our operations and bring food wherever it’s needed most. No matter what happens in Washington, we’ll be here for our community.”
Neighbors seeking additional food assistance can find pantry and distribution schedules at foodbankonline.org.
About the Foodbank
Since 1981, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has provided more than 420 million meals to neighbors in need. We serve 11 cities and counties, where one in eight residents experience food insecurity. In these communities, we play a vital role in the fight against hunger by collecting, storing, and distributing nutritious food. Beyond food access, we focus on long-term solutions by addressing the root causes of hunger and promoting self-sufficiency. Our mission is made possible by a dedicated network of volunteers, generous donors, and compassionate community partners. Together, we’re working to ensure that no one in our community goes to bed hungry. Learn more at foodbankonline.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and TikTok.