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% compared to Virginia’s average of 7.7%. The organization said the support will aid Feeding Southwest Virginia in its efforts to provide food to over 140,000 individuals who need food assistance in the 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 individuals in the 26 counties and nine city service region are food insecure. Feeding Southwest Virginia said the grant will play a critical role in helping provide nutritious food to families in need.
“Feeding Southwest Virginia is deeply committed to addressing food insecurity in the region and is grateful for the support of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust. With this grant, the organization will be able to continue its work of nourishing neighbors and creating a more equitable food system,” the organization said in a statement.
-The Salem Times-Register