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Local construction companies are spreading the word to support the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore during the coronavirus pandemic.

Tidewater Utility Construction, Inc. of Suffolk initiated a fundraiser with the Foodbank, then reached out to competitors, suppliers, subcontractors and more of their industry contacts through social media and by email, according to a March 27 email from Marci Blackwood, contract administrator for Tidewater Utility Corporation Inc.

The company posted the fundraising link on March 25, which has reached $12,788.90 as of Thursday, Blackwood wrote in an email Friday. Their goal is to provide 25,000 meals to those in need, and because the cost for providing a single Foodbank meal is currently $3.50, according to Blackwood, their monetary goal is $87,500.

“When our owner first decided that he wanted to do something to help during this unfortunate time, it was because he knows that the community needs us,” Blackwood wrote. “They need us all to come together to help those that need it the most. The construction industry is fortunate that at this time they are considered essential. We want to share that blessing with those that are less fortunate.”

Visit fundraise.foodbankonline.org/tucicovid19 to donate to the company’s fundraiser for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

LandWerks Contracting is also fundraising for the Foodbank, with a goal of raising $5,000 for 1,428 meals. To make a contribution to the “LandWerks Contracting Fights COVID19” Foodbank fundraiser, go online to fundraise.foodbankonline.org/fundraiser/2721328.

Visit foodbankonline.org/covid-19 for even more ways to support the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.