By Debbie Adams
The Grace Period Free Food Pantry opened for the first time at the former St. Timothy’s
Lutheran Church on Hardy Road in Vinton on September 5. When the church closed at the end
of March, the congregation wanted to keep the building to explore ways to serve the community,
rather than sell the property. The members were pleased to discover it would become a food
bank.
Lutheran Church on Sept. 5.
The opening was timely as September is Hunger Action Month, meant to raise awareness about
food insecurity and local support organizations. According to Feeding America, nearly 16% of
people in Southwest Virginia are food insecure, higher than the state average.
The pantry plans to be open the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They will
next be open to the community on October 3.
Pastor Chuck Miller, organizer, said he had no clear expectations of how many people would
visit, but they ended up serving 94 families representing 385 people. There were families, the
elderly, and the disabled in line. He noted the name of the food pantry was chosen because,
“everything happens with God’s grace.”
Miller was formerly the pastor of Wheatland Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buchanan and has
worked in the food ministry for several years. He says the group took on this project because of
“hard economic times,” with economic pressure, inflation, high fuel prices, and people facing
hard decisions.”
Everyone is welcome, along with donations and volunteers. Their mission is “Neighbors helping
Neighbors.” All are welcome with “no questions asked, no qualifications.” No one is turned
away.
On their opening day, a free hot dog lunch was available for those who attended. Individuals and
families in need lined up on a “first-come, first-serve” basis. They were admitted to the former
sanctuary where items available included staples like mac and cheese, snacks, produce, grape
jelly, peanut butter, cereals, potatoes, Ramen noodles, canned vegetables and fruit, crackers, the always popular Goldfish, pet food, school supplies, personal care items, paper products, and
more.
The shelves and bins were stocked through purchases, donations, and collaboration with partners
including Feeding Southwest Virginia, Food Lion and Martin Farms. Volunteers assisted patrons
through the line, providing carts and shopping bags, and even loading what was chosen into their
cars when help was needed.
On opening day, many of the volunteers were from the Botetourt County Food Pantry, who
already knew the routine. Miller said no one knew exactly what to expect, although they were
expecting multiple families. The number who showed up “speaks to the need and how many
people are needy at this time.” One of the volunteers said that there were people in line as early
as 7:30 that morning.
Riley, organizer Pastor Chuck Miller, and his wife, Sharon, helped guide visitors through the line
and choose food and other items. (photos by Debbie Adams)
If you would like to donate, their greatest needs at this time are personal items, paper, deodorant,
toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo and similar items. The location is 1201 Hardy Road,
across from W.E. Cundiff Elementary School. Call Pastor Miller for more information, to
donate, or to volunteer at 540-589-7553 or email him at [email protected].
