Campaign seasons are busy times for many of us. This week consisted of door knocking at night, a couple candidate debates, completing various candidate surveys, greeting people at a local high school football game and a host of other local activities. I had previously accepted an invitation to take a tour of the Northern Virginia Facility of the Capital Area Food Bank in Lorton, Virginia (well outside my legislative district) and thus headed down there one evening after completing all the scheduled events in House District 35. I am glad I did.

At the facility, I was escorted on a tour by the Food Bank’s president, Lynn Brantley and COO, Brian Smith, along with the staff that actually runs the warehouse. Rows upon rows of food, diapers, toiletries and other basic necessities are neatly organized in the warehouse and are provided by food drives, restaurants and supermarkets. The Food Bank then distributes these items to local groups that directly serve those in need.

One of the things about soup kitchens that never ceases to impress me is the diversity of people served. Many show up still wearing work uniforms. Children come with parents and there are seniors. Some are out of work, some are working poor and some are retirees whose fixed income simply does not allow ends to meet. That is why the Capital Area Food Bank is so important—as well as other local groups such as the Committee for Helping Others (CHO), the Fairfax Area Christian Emergency; Transitional Services, Inc. (FACETS) and the many soup kitchens run by local houses of worship. If there’s any question as to the productivity, people were still working at the facility when I called it a night at about 9 p.m.

If you have any time, I might suggest taking a tour of the facility to get a sense of just how many non-profit groups serve the region and the thousands of people who benefit from the selfless efforts of those I met. While I attended many worthwhile events this past week, this one was among the most valuable to me.