Award proceeds will help feeding program

The William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust has awarded Feeding Southwest Virginia a $200,000 grant to support the organization’s operational expenses as it implements its strategic plan to nourish neighbors, engage community partners and develop solutions to address food insecurity. The grant will be particularly impactful in counties like Buchanan, Lee, and Dickenson, where food insecurity rates are over 19 percent compared to Virginia’s average of 7.7 percent. 

This support will aid Feeding Southwest Virginia in its efforts to provide food to over 140,000 neighbors who need food assistance in our region. 

“This is an amazing partnership for Feeding Southwest Virginia,” said Pamela Irvine, CEO of Feeding Southwest Virginia. “The generosity of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust allows us to carry out our strategic plan and further our mission to reduce hunger.” 

One in eight neighbors in the 26 counties and nine city service region are food insecure, according to a release. Patrick and Henry counties are among those to benefit from the agency’s effort. According to the release, the grant will play a critical role in helping Feeding Southwest Virginia provide nutritious food to families in need

Approximately $30 million worth of food and grocery-related products are channeled annually through more than 370 food pantries and meal programs in the agency’s service region. Visit www.feedingswva.org for more information.