The Henry County Food Pantry plays a vital role in supporting the community, assisting between 2,500 and 2,700 individuals each month. Fueled by donations, the pantry supplies food, clothing, and basic necessities to families facing hardship, working to help them regain stability after crises.
“We get referrals every single day, sometimes four or five a day,” said Sharon Mills, the pantry’s director. “Our purpose is to help people get back on their feet.”
The pantry offers several programs tailored to meet residents’ needs and takes referrals from various sources. While most of the assistance provided is income-based through USDA guidelines, the pantry also supports individuals with higher incomes who face emergency circumstances.
“They can receive food here if they’re dealing with an extenuating situation,” Mills said, emphasizing that the pantry’s mission is to address short-term crises and prevent further destabilization.
A key indicator of the pantry’s success is the improvement seen among those it serves. “There has been a 34% increase in individuals served, but 49% of those served only came once in two months,” Mills explained. “Seventy-eight percent of the people we assist come to the pantry three times or less each year.” This data suggests that the resources provided are helping individuals regain independence.
Beyond Food: A Comprehensive Approach
The pantry’s reach extends beyond providing food. It assists foster families by supplying essentials such as diapers and car seats, while its clothes closet offers clothing, hygiene items, and home staples.
The organization also collaborates with other local entities to expand its impact. Partnerships include the MHC Warming Center, Lawless Welding, and the local Elks Lodge, which are working together on an upcoming fundraiser. Other partnerships, such as one established with Connect Health + Wellness, bring additional services like a mobile dental clinic and nutrition classes directly to those in need. Piedmont Community Services provides mental health support on-site.
“Everything from budgeting to pregnancy care and Medicaid questions is right here,” Mills said. “You’re not just dialing a number—you’re getting direct support.”
Helping the Most Vulnerable
The pantry’s mission is rooted in the idea of reducing the need for its services by empowering individuals to achieve self-sufficiency.
“Our job as a food pantry is to basically be in business to go out of business,” Mills said.
The pantry also steps in to aid vulnerable populations, including mothers in domestic violence situations. In these cases, it helps them find housing and connects them with other resources.
Additionally, the pantry is extending its reach to support victims of Hurricane Helene by sending care packages containing hygiene products, pillows, and other essentials.
How to Support
The pantry welcomes donations of all kinds, including used furniture, household goods, hygiene products, pet supplies, linens, and nonperishable food. Smaller items can be dropped off directly, while larger donations can be arranged by calling (276) 629-1369.
Mill emphasized that community support is essential to the pantry’s mission. “One of the sayings on the back of our T-shirts is, ‘No one can do everything, but everyone can do something,’” she said. “When we work together as a community, we can change lives and help people through their hardest times.”
For those in need of assistance, the pantry can be reached at the same number.
