The Lacey Spring Food Pantry Receives $50,000 Grant from Cargill; Other Food Pantries in the Area Also Help Address Food Insecurity
“Cargill has a large presence in the Shenandoah Valley, with operations at a cooked meat facility in Timberville, a turkey facility in Dayton, a distribution center in Mt. Crawford, a feed mill in Harrisonburg and live turkey operations throughout the valley. The Cargill Timberville facility has always been actively involved in the local community through monetary donations and volunteer work” says Kimberely O’Leary, the General Manager at the Cargill facility in Timberville, VA. O’Leary, who has worked for Cargill for 27 years in multiple facilities, came to the Timberville location from Texas in 2022.
O’Leary describes how the Timberville facility donation to the Lacey Spring Food Pantry unfolded: “In October 2023, I was notified by the Cargill corporate community engagement team that our location was chosen to receive a $50,000 community impact grant to donate to a local nonprofit. The organization we donated to had to meet one of Cargill’s Global Impact Priorities, which are: climate, land and water, and people.” According to O’Leary, food security is a big component of the people priority, and donating to the Food Pantry fit this priority.
“I learned about the Lacey Spring Food Pantry from Joe Adolf, a fellow member of the Broadway Lion’s club, who invited me to visit the pantry and meet Kay Kibler, the pantry chairperson,” O’Leary continues. O’Leary visited the Lacey Spring Food Pantry, and recognized the positive impact it was making on the community. However, the metal building the Food Pantry operated from had no insulation, heat, or air conditioning, which the grant could help provide. The grant was awarded, and with the Food Pantry being only 15 minutes away from the Timberville Cargill location, Cargill started sending volunteers to sort food donations and stock shelves.
O’Leary says “Our Timberville team members really enjoy volunteering at the pantry and working with the wonderful group of regular volunteers they already have. I’m proud of this work we’ve done in our community, and I believe we have developed a great partnership that will last for many years to come.”
The Lacey Spring Food Pantry and the Cargill grant were featured on WHSV-TV 3 on March 2.
Some of the information that Kay Kibler shared were the Food Pantry hours (every Monday from 1 to 5:30 pm), the number of families served (an average of 140 each Monday), and the impact of the Cargill grant. Kibler says “We upgraded our electrical system, added a new HVAC system donated by Custom Air Solutions in Broadway, and are working on adding a drink cooler given to us by Finders Keepers and DC Controls.” Future improvements include a storage addition, a front porch and signage, and more. The Food Pantry which is located at Grace Mennonite Church on Lacey Spring Road (right off Route 11) began in 2018 as a ministry of the church. Local grocery stores (Wal-Mart, Sheetz, Dollar General, Target, Aldi and more) contribute food. The Food Pantry is part of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank which provides produce, canned goods, and meat.
Another community partnership of the Lacey Spring Food Pantry is with Dave and Jewell Yutzy who own Court Manor. An annual Christmas tea and tour with all proceeds going to the Food Pantry started several years ago.
Food insecurity exists throughout the Shenandoah Valley. The Lacey Spring Food Pantry provides food for families coming from all over. There are other local food pantries in the area which also work to give families the food they need. The following food pantries participate with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
The Community Ministry Food Pantry of Bergton is supported by churches in the area. Eddie Steele coordinates their efforts. This food pantry is open the first Monday from 6 to 7:30 pm, and the third Thursday from 10 am to 12 noon. This food pantry also gets food from the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, and some local stores including Food Lion contribute food. Steele describes a unique fundraising event for the pantry held at Mount Olivet Church of the Brethren on North Mountain Road, which has Bingo each first Friday at 10:30 am. Admission to Bingo is a can of food for the Food Pantry; players all win at least two prizes, are entered for a big prize, and get lunch! Call Steele at 540-421-3852 for more information.
In New Market, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry operates out of the Manor Memorial Methodist Church at 9320 North Congress Street (Route 11), and is open the third Thursday from 1 to 5 pm. The Open Door Food Pantry in Mount Jackson, at 11278 Old Valley Pike (Route 11), is also open the third Thursday monthly from 1 to 6 pm. (Check out the Open Door Facebook page for information.) Both are members of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
Timberville hosts the Mobile Food Pantry which is open the second Thursday at the Community Center. The Mobile Food Pantry has clients line up in their car and drive through. Clients can apply for a Senior box. The contact number for this food pantry is 540-248-3663. Also check the Town of Timberville Facebook page.
Cornerstone Church Food Pantry in Broadway is supported by designated giving. The Food Pantry opens after the church service on the first and third Sundays (11:30 am to 12:30 pm.)
How wonderful it is to have community businesses, volunteers, and donors getting food to neighbors who need it! Thanks to all local food pantries and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank!
