The Hopewell Food Pantry, supported by the United Way of Hopewell since 1984, is a non-profit organization providing emergency food to individuals and families who are in a temporary crisis. Referrals to the Food Pantry are received through Social Services, local churches, The Salvation Army, and other referring agencies. It is operated solely by volunteers and has limited service hours. Under normal circumstances, the hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M.
During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008 the Food Pantry served 784 families, or 2,277 individuals, with a week’s supply of food, for a total of 47,817 meals. About 10% of the food supply is purchased at a reduced rate or donated from the Central Virginia Food Bank, 40% is purchased from retail stores, and 50% donated by sponsoring churches and other organizations.
Contributions designated to the Hopewell Food Pantry during the United Way of Hopewell_Prince George Campaign accounted for 16% of the total cash received by the agency, assisting with the facility’s operating expenses. The Food Pantry also receives funds from the Shepherd’s Place, another all-volunteer operation. Other supporters include local churches, funds received through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, the Combined Federal Campaign, individuals and other local organziations.
Herndon Smith, Operations Manager of the Hopewell Food Pantry, stated, “Support from the United Way of Hopewell-Prince George means being able to provide assistance to improve quality of life for our community.”
