The first Virginia Hunger Symposium is taking place this week at Blue Ridge Community College.

It's addressing the issue of hunger in Virginia, the nation and the world.
All of the proceeds collected during the symposium will benefit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network.

That network serves 129,000 different Virginians a year and covers about a third of the state.

Ruth Jones, Blue Ridge Food Bank, says, "A lot of people don't understand that hunger is everywhere around them. Thirty-five million Americans are suffering from hunger. So it's not something that's them over there, that's actually right here in your own backyard."

The Hunger Symposium will culminate with a benefit concert by the Jen Chapin Trio at the BRCC fine arts center theater Thursday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.