Fighting Food Insecurity: How Micah’s Pantry at Warm Hearth Village Supports Seniors in Need

A retirement community in Blacksburg, Virginia, is taking important steps to fight food insecurity among seniors. Thanks to fresh support from Food Lion, their efforts are growing.

Micah’s Pantry at Warm Hearth Village plays a crucial role, assisting over 144 residents. Many of them rely on very low, fixed incomes. Since its opening in 2022, the pantry has expanded significantly. Resident Sandy Berkowitz shared her thoughts on the transformation.

“Initially, we only had access to basics like paper towels and canned goods. Now, we get fresh fruits and veggies, meals, personal care items, and even pet food,” she said.

The pantry is stocked, partly due to generous community donations. Recently, the Warm Hearth Foundation received $4,000 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation. This support is vital for residents facing hunger.

Food Lion aims to eliminate food insecurity and has set an ambitious goal to donate three billion meals by 2032. Store Manager Shane Bailey highlighted their success: “We reached our initial goal of 1.5 billion meals early and continue to push forward.”

For many at Warm Hearth Village, the pantry is a lifeline. Many residents are disabled or lack transportation. “It’s essential for those of us who don’t drive. The pantry is open three days a week and helps us get what we need,” said Berkowitz.

In 2024 alone, Micah’s Pantry provided an astounding 50,000 pounds of food to those in need. These efforts highlight the importance of community support and the need for such initiatives in today’s society.

As food insecurity rises across the nation, programs like this are essential. According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 10% of American households are food insecure, which can seriously impact health and well-being.

Efforts by local organizations like Micah’s Pantry not only help residents but also raise awareness about the broader issue of food access. It’s a reminder that, together, communities can make a significant difference.



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