Drive to End Hunger is an unprecedented three-year initiative to address the growing problem of hunger among older Americans, including 6 million over the age of 60. Virginia ranks 22nd in senior hunger in the U.S., and 16 percent of Virginians reported not having enough money to buy food in the last year.

AARP and Drive to End Hunger is teaming up with Feeding America Southwest Virginia and Kroger to fight hunger right here in our own backyard. From March 20 through April 3, Kroger shoppers will be able to donate to the local food bank.

You can join the Drive to End Hunger team by supporting the effort at your local Kroger store March 20-April 3. Let your cashier know you want to purchase a pre-filled grocery bag of food. You’ll be helping an older adult eat today. Use the tear-off coupon available at the register to donate $5 or $10.75 in food to the local Feeding America Southwest Virginia food bank. You can help stock the food bank right here in your own community.

The No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet will be on display at Kroger at the Tanglewood Mall. 4488 Electric Rd. in Roanoke from 5 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. on March 31. Stop buy, get your photo taken with the car and support Feeding America Southwest Virginia

Drive to End Hunger will be the majority sponsor of Gordon’s No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team in 2011, 2012 and 2013, with primary paint schemes in 22 Sprint Cup races annually, including the April 3 and October 30 Martinsville races.