Harvest Food Pantry asks Nelson County for help finding permanent distribution hub

Jonathan Watson, executive director of the Harvest Food Pantry, asked Nelson County Fiscal Court on April 21 for help identifying a permanent facility to serve as the pantry’s distribution hub after rapid growth in demand.

“We have outgrown our temporary setup,” Watson told the court, saying the pantry experienced a roughly 400% surge in demand when SNAP benefits were interrupted and that the organization needs “a permanent pillar in the Nelson County community.” He said the pantry can operate in roughly 5,000 square feet and has grant applications pending for refrigeration equipment and other infrastructure.

Watson described current capacity limits and listed local partners and grants on which the pantry is relying, including support from Willick Distillery and several county-area grant applications. He asked county leaders to alert him to underused buildings, property or vacant land that could be considered for conversion to a distribution hub.

Why it matters: The pantry reported a large increase in client need and is pursuing grants for refrigeration and shelving, but lacks a permanent site to scale operations. County assistance in locating space or facilitating partnerships could accelerate the pantry’s ability to serve more residents.

Court members thanked Watson and offered to coordinate follow-up, including potential help with grant applications and connections to county-owned properties. No formal action or funding commitment was made at the meeting; Watson’s requests were taken as public comment and for follow-up by staff.