Frequently Asked Questions

1) Who is this for?

The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia


2) Are you only collecting green beans?

No, any non-perishable food item is accepted, and a wide variety is appreciated. Please check out the Top 10 list provided.


3) Should the restaurant give from its own pantry?

Each restaurant must make its own decisions; however, this challenge is generally geared toward the staff. Employees are encouraged to donate food from their own home pantries or to purchase canned food from their own tips.


4) Should the restaurant ask its patrons for donations, such as putting a box by the front door?

Again, each restaurant can make its own choices; however, this has proven to be one of the least effective ways of collecting donations. Some restaurants also complain the box detracts from their aesthetic.


5) We don't have anywhere to store the donations. Where should we put the food?

I will come to your establishment as often as you need for me to collect the donations. Also, I have known at least two restaurants that saved space by collecting in the trunk of a server's car.


6) Can I donate money?

Yes. The Foodbank can actually make a complete meal for one person for 29 cents.


7) What is your goal this year?

I would be overjoyed if together we can collect 3 tons of food. This is the dream for 2009. This is the reason for the print ads in the Downtowner and this blog - an effort to provide some publicity for a unique way to collect for the Foodbank. This effort can only be achieved by doubling the participating restaurants to more than 50. If Norfolk establishments are unable to meet this goal, I will take on considerable more pressure by inviting select eateries in the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake areas.


8) Who are you and why should I give to your challenge?

My name is Kirk Springer. I work as Concierge for the Waterside Marriott in downtown Norfolk, a position I have had for 6 years. Before this, I waited tables in a variety of restaurants throughout Hampton Roads, everything from an Irish bar called Batterson's, to more elite names such as the Trellis and Kingsmill Resort. I have twice been selected to serve the acting President of the United States. The participating restaurants and prize donors attest to my standing within the community. I would also mention that the person who selected last year's winners was Tony DiFilippo, the Director of the Norfolk Convention and Visitor's Bureau. He would not have donated his time if he did not believe in this food drive.

9) What do you get out of this?

I do not recieve any tangible compensation for this food drive. In fact, in previous years, I have spent hundreds of dollars of my own money in an effort to double, triple or quadruple the donations. I am often at odds on whether I shouldn't just write a check to the Foodbank and be done with it. Every single penny of cash donated has been turned over to the Foodbank; I do not keep anything to cover my own costs. But there are reasons for me to do this, the most important is that I am blessed with wonderful family and friends, I have a job and I eat alot. In fact, two years ago, when I handed out the invitations to the ninety restaurants, I realized I had eaten or drank at every single one of them. I MUST give back to my community.