December 1, 2009

Local farmers met at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank in Charlottesville Tuesday to support a produce initiative put forth by 5th District Congressman Tom Perriello, (D).

Perriello's legislation would give farmers a tax break for donating excess or surplus produce harvest to food banks or other charities.

Perriello says this comes at a time when the face of people in need has changed from the homeless or working poor, to our neighbors who are working several jobs to stay afloat.

The Democrat says fruits and vegetables would be a healthy addition to the items that are usually donated.

"With the tax credit, we're trying to make it a little easier for them to contribute... finding that way to help get produce, so it's not just the non-perishables, but a good balanced diet that we can offer to those that are on rough times," says Perriello, (D) 5th District.

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank says they anticipate feeding about 100,000 people a month.