
Ayse Pirge
Freelance ReporterAyse Pirge graduated in Fall 2021 from the College of William and Mary with a BA in English. She is also interested in writing stories and poetry, and hopes to publish a poetry chapbook.
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After more than a decade at the helm of Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, C-E-O Michael McKee will retire at the end of June. In this exit interview with WMRA’s Ayse Pirge, he looks back at his time at the food bank, and talks about current problems for the hunger relief network.
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Agriculture and forest industries provide more than $100 billion to Virginia’s economy. They also create nearly half a million jobs in the state. And Virginia exports products, such as cattle and wood commodities, around the world. So how is President Trump’s trade war affecting that? WMRA’s Ayse Pirge reports.
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Plans for a new co-op market in Winchester began last year, and it’s currently in the first stage of development. The goal is to build a full-service, community-owned grocery store where people can shop even if they’re not a member. WMRA's Ayse Pirge reports.
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Grocery costs increased again last year. And potential cuts to food benefits from Congress this year could further strain local food banks. WMRA’s Ayse Pirge reports.
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A lack of access to food can contribute to health problems, including Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. And people with both health problems and inadequate health insurance often have to choose between eating, or getting their medicine. WMRA’s Ayse Pirge [EYE-shuh PEER-guh] has this report.
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On average, nearly one in ten families in Virginia experience a real challenge in putting food on the table. But food insecurity may be even more prevalent among college students. WMRA’s Ayse Pirge reports.
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As we continue to enjoy this year’s harvest in our holiday meals, we may forget where all that food comes from. It takes hard physical work to produce that bounty, but people in agriculture can also experience mental health issues. And help for that is available. WMRA’s Ayse Pirge reports.
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As we’ve been reporting this summer, local demand for food pantry services is way up. WMRA’s Ayse Pirge continues our occasional series on food aid with a visit to a pantry in Charlottesville that’s been serving the community for 20 years.
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Pandemic-era food aid from the federal government ended earlier this year, and inflation has also taken its toll. Those are just two reasons why visits to local food pantries are way up. WMRA’s Ayse Pirge reports.
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A little east of Front Royal, the Piedmont Memorial Overlook offers stunning views near Sky Meadows State Park. WMRA’s Ayse Pirge took a tour.