Nearly 2 million people in Virginia and Tennessee face food insecurity every day. Of those, almost 500,000 are children.
Food insecurity means that individuals don’t have access or means to regularly purchase healthy and nutritious food on a regular basis.
“Many individuals are having to make the impossible choice between purchasing their medications or purchasing food for the month,” says Terri McGlothlin, a Holston Medical Group office manager.
To help support those facing hunger in our community, Terri volunteers time each month at Word of Victory Food Pantry in Southwest Virginia, which tends the needs of nearly 300 families in the area.
“The food pantry helps provide families with food so they don’t have to make difficult decisions on whether to pay the bills or eat,” Terri says. “The food pantry helps make sure individuals don’t have to choose between purchasing medication or purchasing groceries.”
The Importance of Fighting Food Insecurity
Food insecurity isn’t just about not being able to purchase enough food to feed a family; it’s about the need for nutritious foods as well. The foods and household goods offered at Word of Victory Food Pantry are often items that are expensive or difficult to purchase in the store.
Terri McGlothlin & Audrey NicholsWithout a balanced diet and nutritious food, people on fixed incomes can put themselves at risk of developing chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes and obesity because they are eating processed foods that are cheaper, but not as healthy.
Food banks ensure families experiencing food insecurity are supplied with nutritious foods, not just cheaper foods. Unfortunately, donations to food banks have waned during the COVID-19 pandemic because regular food drives have closed and families who would typically donate have seen their incomes decrease.
Serving a Community
The Word of Victory Food Pantry has been serving Russell, Tazewell, and Buchanan Counties since 2009. It regularly provides for nearly 200 families, with more than 300 families coming during the holiday months of November and December. Sometimes families come just once or twice needing a little help to get back on their feet.
“We see people who say thank you, and we see people cry,” says Audrey Nichols, Word of Victory Food Pantry Director. “We have people tell us: ‘You don’t know how much this means to me and my family. We wouldn’t be able to pay a bill or have gas, food or medicine.’
“They’re having to make hard choices of what to do with the limited income they have, so it’s hard for them to get everything they need. Providing these individuals with food takes away the stress of having to decide whether or not to eat.”
Through its partnership with Southwest Virginia Feeding America and the donations the pantry receives from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), local businesses and churches, and the community’s contributions, the food pantry is able to share hearty canned goods as well as fresh fruits and veggies, dairy and meats.
Filling a Volunteer Need
Terri found her calling at Word of Victory Food Pantry at the urging of HMG’s Mission into Motion program. HMG encourages its staff to make volunteerism a part of their lives. Families and staff from HMG dedicate thousands of hours yearly to non-profit organizations like Word of Victory Food Pantry as well as at churches and educational venues.
“It shows HMG’s commitment to people in the community,” Terri says, “not just to serve them in the capacity of healthcare, but to serve them in the capacity of their life as well.”
Terri has been working with Word of Victory Food Pantry for nearly two years. She has also recruited fellow volunteers from HMG, who are adding their efforts to ensure that no one in the community goes hungry.
As a volunteer at the food pantry, Terri’s jobs have ranged from preparing boxes to loading cars to restocking shelves for the next drive.
“It is a very rewarding experience,” Terri says. “But it also makes you aware of what is happening in your community and to be very appreciative to work for an organization such as HMG that actually encourages you to be a part of something bigger and better than yourself.”
How You Can Help
Whether you are inspired to start your own food drive or make a donation to Word of Victory Ministries, families are encouraged to help those in their community. Donations of food are always needed. Canned items like vegetables, fruit, stew and soup are welcomed before their expiration date. Other necessities include:
- Peanut Butter
- Boxed Cakes
- Canned Beans
- Pasta
- Brown Rice
You can host your own food drive on your block, at your office, or even within your child’s sports or service group. Pick a specific type of food, or ask your neighbors to donate what they can.
Also, consider volunteering yourself or as a family. Individuals are needed to sort, pack, and distribute orders on drive days which take place from 11 a.m-1pm on the third Friday of each month. In addition to donating your time, financial donations to support Word of Victory Food Pantry are also welcomed.
“We could not possibly serve this need without our volunteers,” Audrey says. “It takes anywhere from 30 to 40 people to help facilitate our drive days. We also have people working every day doing something, like stocking big food and sorting food. So it’s a team effort.”
Join HMG in it’s commitment to keep the community fed and follow the Word of Victory Ministries and Feeding Southwest Virginia on Facebook to learn more about the food drives taking place near you. Word of Victory Ministries encourages community members to send them a message on Facebook to become a volunteer on drive days or inquire about how you can help in between drives.
