Local Businesses Donate Tons of Food

4 More Travel collected 3,261 pounds — 1.6 tons — of food for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce's participation in the Governor's Bowl Chamber of Commerce Challenge Food & Fund Drive.

The Springfield business was one of more than 25 chamber members that served as collection locations for the first ever Governor's Bowl, according to the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce website.

“We had from Memorial Day to July 4 to collect the one ton of food we pledged,” said Patrick Barney, co-owner of 4 More Travel.  “With only 30 days, we put the word out to all our friends, relatives and travel clients, and they helped us exceed our goal," he said. 

“Virginians are generous when they see a valid need, and the Springfield area people are a prime example of that generosity," said Barney. “With the kind of help we received this year, we've pledged to collect two tons next year."

Collected items were distrubuted via the Capital Area Food Bank to local residents in need.

Gov. Bob McDonnell, in conjunction with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, sponsored the first annual Governor's Bowl to help Virginia’s food banks during the summer months, which are typically slower for food donations.

In thanking everyone who helped with the drive, Barney pointed out that food banks need donations all year long. "We should support them on a regular basis," he said.