NEWPORT NEWS — This Hispanic Heritage Month, THRIVE Peninsula announced it has launched Sabor Familiar — Taste of Home — a new initiative that brings the vibrant flavors of Latin America to the heart of our community.
On Sept. 15, in celebration of the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, THRIVE will launch a dedicated Hispanic foods section at The Market at THRIVE, featuring culturally relevant pantry staples. The nonprofit said the new offering will empower over 40 Spanish-speaking families weekly, while welcoming all shoppers eager to explore authentic Latin American cuisine
With approximately 7.5% of Hampton Roads residents and 9.9% of Newport News residents identifying as Latino, this marks the first dedicated Hispanic foods section at a food pantry in the region, it added.
“Our goal in launching Sabor Familiar is to provide an increased level of care and support to our Hispanic neighbors and we are asking the community to partner with us to help,” said Angela York, Executive Director of THRIVE Peninsula. “These families are under extra stress right now, and we want to provide comfort in the way we know how — providing food that tastes like home to bring them dignity and tangible help.”
THRIVE is calling on local businesses, faith groups and community members to host culturally focused food drives throughout September and beyond. A list of most-needed items is available here.
“It’s so important that we can create a welcoming environment for Spanish-speaking families who have few places to turn for help.” York said. “Our staff members used to get out their phones to translate for walk-in clients who didn’t speak English. We knew we could do better than that, so we did.”
To kick off the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, join and celebrate with THRIVE at its Community Mixer at THRIVE Peninsula on Sept. 16 from 5-7 p.m., where neighbors, partners, and local leaders come together to honor culture, community, and connection. Enjoy Latin-inspired refreshments, music and meaningful conversations. All are welcome to attend.