Reston Chamber Collecting Food Donations

Theis participating in Gov. Bob McDonnell's (R) Governor's Bowl Chamber of Commerce Challenge Food Drive.

The inaugural event challenges chambers and their members to gather food donations. Donations will be given to the Capital Area Food Bank, which will then distribute them to local food banks, such as

The drive runs through July 4, and at its conclusion the chambers that collect the most food statewide will be recognized by McDonnell.

Want to make a donaton? Drop off food at the Chamber offices at 1763 Fountain Dr. There will also be a collection area at the Taste of Reston at June 15-16.

GRCC points out that despite being the second-highest income county in the US, nearly 25 percent of all children in Fairfax County schools qualify for free and reduced lunch. Since the economic downturn began in 2008, there has been an 80 percent increase in requests to Fairfax County for food and financial assistance. Summer is the most challenging time for food banks in Virginia, with kids out of school and without access to school meal programs.