More than 1 million Virginians, including children, senior citizens, adults with disabilities and individuals who have recently lost their jobs, are considered "food insecure." This number tends to grow in the summertime, in part due to the children who no longer have access to school-based meal programs. Concurrently, summer is one of the most difficult times of the year for Virginia's food banks.

For this reason, Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell will host the first Governor's Bowl Food and Fund Drive May 28 through July 4, with the goal of keeping food banks full throughout the summer. There will be winners declared among state agencies, categorized by their size. The winners will receive a "Governor's Bowl," hand-delivered by McDonnell.

U.Va. will partake in the drive, which will kick off at the School of Engineering and Applied Science's annual Staff Appreciation Picnic May 31 in Thornton Hall's Darden Court. Those who attend are asked to donate at least one canned or nonperishable food item.

Some of the most needed items for the food bank are canned tuna, boxed cereal and canned ravioli.

It is also possible to donate money online via the "Give Now" button on Community Relations' food drive site. U.Va. participants who donate in this manner are asked to select "Charlottesville Regional" in the "Chamber Name" field and then specify U.Va. underneath.

Easier still, you can text to donate, by texting FEEDBR UVA to 85944. A $10 fee will be donated to the food bank and added to your cell phone bill.

U.Va. food donation locations are listed below. If you or your department would like to host a donation location, e-mail community relations@virginia.edu.

U.Va. food donation locations:

• Fontaine Research Park
400 Ray C. Hunt Drive
May 28 through July 4

• Medical Center Employee Council
May 28 through June 14
See your representative for details.

• Patient and Guest Services office next to the main cafeteria entrance
Until July 4.

• Provost Employee Council
Minor Hall, near the recycling bins
May 28 through July 4

• School of Engineering and Applied Science
Thornton Hall, A wing
Until July 4

• Engineering School Employee Appreciation Picnic, Darden Court
May 31, noon to 3 p.m.
Employees are asked to bring one canned or nonperishable item.

• Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership
2400 Old Ivy Rd.
First floor, front entrance
May 28 through July 4

• University of Virginia Bookstore
May 28 through July 4

— by Lisa Littman