Camping for Hunger: Food Pantries in Winchester & Clarke County
Nov 18, 2022
Today's conversation gave some information about other food pantries in our surrounding area that are doing incredibly important work. First, we talked with Andrea Cosans, Executive Director at Winchester CCAP. She explained the different services they offer to clients that include their food pantry (perishable and non-perishable items), clothing ministry, and financial assistance. They are always in need of food donations as well as cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items and baby products. Andrea mentioned during our conversation that eggs are always popular and she hadn't received those as donations in quite some time. She also expressed a need for meat donations. In the house located next to Winchester CCAP is where clients can find clothing items/sizes from infant to senior citizen. Right now, they are in need of coats (mostly mens) in sizes large, extra large, and extra extra large. They also offer financial assistance for clients to help cover their rent, utility bills, even expired vehicle registrations. You can find more information about making donations, volunteering, or learning more about the good they're doing in our community on their website: https://www.ccapwinchester.org/ and follow them on Facebook.
In the second segment, we talked with Anne Cushman from FISH of Clarke County about their food pantry, clothes closet, and financial assistance/counseling. She explained the services they offer to residents across Clarke County and told us about their new mobile food pantry. They were able to purchase a truck through a grant from USDA which they take to Millwood on the last Saturday of each month. This month, because of the holiday, they will be in Millwood at the Shiloh Baptist Church at 1983 Millwood Road. They set up our tables and and offer food tastings, recipes, and all the ingredients for people to take home and create their own meals. They also have plenty of food for people in need to grab and go if they prefer. In addition, they have the Department of Social Services in attendance so that visitors can find out about any benefits they may be entitled to. Beginning in January, they will add an extra Saturday in Pine Grove. To learn more about FISH of Clarke County, visit their website: https://www.fishofclarkecounty.org/ and follow them on Facebook.
To find a food pantry or resource in your community, click here to access the Community Resource Directory that's put together by Valley Assistance Network (VAN) as part of United Way NSV.