66 Express Operator Donates $7K To Fight Food Insecurity in Prince William County

Contributions to CHOW Wagon, Haymarket Regional Food Pantry Help Combat Hunger Over the Holidays

Manassas, Va. December 4, 2024– To address the pressing issue of hunger in Prince William County – particularly among children – I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), the operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, recently made two significant donations to local organizations working to combat food insecurity.

The Combating Hunger On Wheels (CHOW) Wagon, an initiative of the Prince William County Community Foundation (PWCCF), received $3,000 from the roadway operator, while the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry (HRFP) received $4,000.

The HRFP plans to use I-66 EMP’s contribution to purchase holiday hams and turkeys for the thousands of local residents they assist each month, while the CHOW Wagon Initiative will use the funds to transport nutritious meals to children in need throughout the county.

“Children dealing with food insecurity are at a higher risk for diseases like anemia and asthma, as well as social challenges like hyperactivity and anxiety. They need adequate food resources to reach their potential,” said Dr. Vanessa M. Gattis, president and CEO of PWCCF and founder of the CHOW Wagon Initiative. “Donations like this provide those resources. We sincerely thank I-66 EMP for helping us eradicate hunger in our community.”

This latest $7,000 contribution builds on I-66 EMP’s ongoing commitment to fighting hunger in the region. Earlier this year, the company donated $10,000 each to Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) to support their SERVE campus food programs and Food for Others to provide meals to families in need across Northern Virginia.

“Sometimes a family’s money runs out before the month ends. We’re here so those families never have to wonder where their next meal is,” said Eileen F. Smith, executive director of HRFP. “It’s thanks to great partners like I-66 EMP that we’re able to feed so many in our service area who find themselves in need of food.”

Fighting food insecurity is a key part of I-66 EMP’s corporate mission to improve the quality of life for residents in Northern Virginia.

“We recognize that too many of our neighbors are struggling with food insecurity,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “That’s why we’re proud to support high-impact organizations like the CHOW Wagon Initiative and the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry, as well as earlier partnerships with NVFS and Food for Others, to ensure families across our region have access to the food they need to thrive.”

About the CHOW Wagon Initative:

The Combating Hunger On Wheels (CHOW) Wagon Initiative of the Prince William County Community Foundation offers multi-layered support to Prince William County residents most in need of resources to combat food insecurity and hunger. Children exposed to food insecurity are of particular concern for our CHOW Wagon Initiative, given the implications scarce food resources pose to a child’s health and development. Learn more at www.CHOWWagon.org.

About Haymarket Regional Food Pantry:

The Haymarket Regional Food Pantry (HRFP) is a community based non-profit organization comprised entirely of volunteers dedicated to eliminating hunger by providing food to individuals and families in Haymarket, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas. We accomplish this mission by educating, empowering, and enlightening the community about the issues of hunger and nutrition. We rely entirely on food and financial support from our donors, and are thankful for the tremendous support that we receive from caring individuals, local churches, businesses and organizations, and our impressive team of volunteers. Visit www.HaymarketFoodPantry.org to learn more and make a contribution.

About the 66 Express Outside the Beltway:
Part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Outside the Beltway program, the lanes of the 66 Express are a transformative 22.5-mile multi-modal mega-project featuring advanced dynamic-tolling systems to keep traffic flowing at all times. The lanes provide Northern Virginia commuters, businesses, and mass transit with a reliable option to move people, goods, and services throughout the I-66 corridor, allowing drivers to Sit Less, Live More. Visit www.Ride66Express.com to learn more, and keep up with the 66 Express on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About I-66 Express Mobility Partners:
I-66 Express Mobility Partners (EMP) is a consortium of leading infrastructure companies including Cintra, Meridiam, and APG. In public-private partnership (P3) with VDOT, I-66 EMP is contracted to operate the 66 Express Outside the Beltway through 2066. Connect with I-66 EMP on LinkedIn.