Coastal Virginia Nonprofits Expand Food Security Amid Growing Needs

Washington state's coastal town of Ilwaco, located on the Long Beach Peninsula, offers a scenic alternative to the popular Seattle attractions with its hiking, fishing, and rich local history highlighted by the Discovery Trail and Cape Disappointment State Park. In the culinary scene, Chef Thomas Barthelmes from Finestkind was named the 2025 Lobster Chef of the Year for his innovative lobster dish, while the SMCC Culinary Arts team won the People’s Choice award. Coastal Virginia Magazine honored local nonprofits advancing food security through its Giving Back Awards, spotlighting organizations like Mercy Chefs that provide meals to disaster victims and food-insecure families. The magazine also revealed its Top 50 restaurants in Coastal Virginia for 2025, emphasizing dining experiences that reflect the region's culture and flavors. Additionally, Coastal Virginia's retail hubs such as Ghent in Norfolk and The Shops at Hilltop in Virginia Beach are celebrated for their vibrant local shopping scenes that blend community, creativity, and coastal lifestyle.