Community briefs

Food Bank gets $50,000 donation

The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank received a $50,000 donation from Publix Super Markets Charities which will go toward healthier lifestyle choices as part of Healthy Eating Research guidelines.

The Food Bank and its partners serve more than 40,000 people a year in Fredericksburg, the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford and the community of Locust Grove. An estimated 9% of the local population is deemed food insecure and lacking the means to consistently provide three nutritious meals a day. That includes about 11% of the area's children.

Healthy eating guidelines rate foods as green, yellow or red to guide recommended eating habits.

Since 2022, Publix has donated almost $150,000 to the Food Bank, helping with the organization's operations.

"Unfortunately, in recent years, we are serving unprecedented numbers of community members, making the sustainability of that scale more challenging," said Dan Maher, president and CEO of the food bank.

Publix Super Markets Charities has donated $11 million to Feeding America partner food banks and other nonprofit partners in 2024.

RAAI plant sale starts Sept. 28

An upcoming plant sale will benefit adults with disabilities and their families.

Rappahannock Adult Activities annual fall plant sale will open Sept. 28 and feature native plants, pumpkins, mums and bulbs. It will be held at 750 Kings Highway in Stafford County.

The sale will run weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Proceeds benefit RAAI's day support program for adults with developmental disabilities. Participants learn new skills, develop friendships and explore their community while their caregivers get the chance to maintain jobs and hobbies.

More information is available at or 540/226-2949.

Wildcat Battalion gets 'honor school' status

In September, Mountain View High School was named a Naval Honor School for a fifth consecutive time.

The Marine Corps–Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Wildcat Battalion made 14 color guard appearances, participated in 23 unit coordinated community service events, three promotion and awards formation, five recruiting events, 31 Rifle team competitions, five drill meets, five Cyber Patriot competitions and five Raider Challenge competitions.

Members competed, and placed, in local events and national competitions across the country.

The battalion has started the new school year with a mission to continue its Naval Honor School status by hosting leadership and new cadet orientation training camps in July as well as having 17 cadets complete other summer programs.

The Battalion already has completed seven community service actions, one color-guard appearance and earned gold with the Marksmanship team taking first in the 2024 Commonwealth Games.

Stafford schools launch lunch campaign

Stafford County Public Schools will launch "Stafford in Action," a campaign from Sept. 23-27 focused on eliminating student meal debt and tackling hunger in schools.

The goal is to raise $50,000 to ensure no student in the school district goes hungry through the #OneLunchOneLife campaign.

Throughout the week, participating restaurants will offer a $3 donation option at checkout or donate $3 from selected menu items to cover the cost of one student meal. Community members are encouraged to spread the word on social media using the hashtag #OneLunchOneLife. Those who can't go out to dinner can text ONELUNCH to 41444 to make a donation through a platform provided by the Rappahannock United Way.

The week will culminate at Via Colori Stafford, a two-day celebration held Sept. 28-29 at Stafford Regional Airport, where the school system will celebrate the campaign.

American Legion hosting craft show

American Legion Post 290 is hosting a craft show with all proceeds going to veteran programs. Organizers are seeking crafters and shoppers for the second annual American Legion Auxiliary Unit 290 Poppy Patch Craft Show being held at the American Legion Post 290, 1141 Mountain View Road in Stafford County.

The event is Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All items must primarily be original. No commercial resale items or foods may be sold. Spaces are $30 each and are 6 feet wide by 10 feet long. Tables included. Wall space and electricity are available first come, first served.

The show is indoors, and admission is free. Donations are welcome and all proceeds, whether for rentals or donations, go toward programs for veterans and their families. For more detailed information and application, see "Announcements" on the homepage atstaffordpost290.org .

Fredericksburg Seniors plan trips

Fredericksburg Seniors are planning trips to a local theater.

The group will attend "Beautiful," the Carole King musical, Oct. 16, and the Christmas spectacular Dec. 18, both at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.

Call Betty Lee at 540/786-2650 for information or to attend one of these performances.