Rappahannock food pantry reports rising demand, local‑protein grant fills USDA gap

Penny Carter, president of the Rappahannock County food pantry board, briefed supervisors on client demographics, recent volume trends and the pantry’s funding model. She said about 35 percent of pantry visitors are over 65 and that many households use the pantry multiple times per month. Carter described operations during COVID‑19 and noted that opening the Little Washington site in June 2024 produced a noticeable increase in visits.

Carter told the board that USDA commodity availability has tightened and the pantry had “no meat products on hand” for nearly two months; to fill the gap the pantry uses a Path Foundation four‑year grant to purchase local pork and beef through a community payback model that keeps funds in local farmers’ pockets. She also described grant‑funded programs for household supplies and personal care items intended to reduce stigma and address clients’ broader needs.

On finances, Carter said donations and recent fundraising have the pantry “doing pretty well” now but that leadership is focused on diversifying revenue and strengthening fundraising to avoid future shortfalls. She credited new executive director Georgina Griffith Gates and an operations director for improving ordering and structure.

Supervisors asked about cash‑on‑hand and solvency; Carter indicated the pantry has adequate reserves for the moment but is planning longer‑range fundraising and program work to ensure sustainability. No board action was required; the presentation was received for the record.