I want to share some startling statistics with you: More than 20,000 individuals in the Fredericksburg region receive emergency food assistance from the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. Sadly, 16,000 children across the region qualify for free breakfast and lunch; many do not know where their next meal will come from.

September is Hunger Action Month, and I'm committed to helping raise awareness about food insecurity in our region.

We can make a difference by supporting the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank, our region's largest and oldest food bank. The Fredericksburg Area Food Bank works with more than 70 partner agencies and program partners to get food into the hands of those who need it most. In 2011, the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank distributed more than 3.4 million pounds of food, but still, neighbors were hungry.

Giant has served the Fredericksburg area for more than 25 years, and food is the heart of who we are. We are proud to work alongside the food bank to combat food insecurity. During Hunger Action Month, we pledge our continued support and have planned several events to raise awareness, monetary contributions, and nonperishable food donations to benefit the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank.

On Sept. 28, 29, and 30 all neighborhood Giant locations will hold food drives to benefit our Feeding America food bank partners.

We hope you'll join us to support the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank--providing food and hope to our neighbors in need.

Anthony Hucker

Washington, D.C.

Anthony Hucker is president of Giant Food.