VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — I first visited the Armed Services YMCA in January of 2023. Then, the organization’s fledgling effort to feed hungry military families, Patriot’s Pantry , was small but impactful. One year later, I paid the pantry another visit to see how the program has grown.
“Thanks to you, more people know about our Patriot’s Pantry,” said Laura Baxter, Executive Director of the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads. “We have expanded tremendously since the last time you were here,” she beamed.
News
Virginia Beach pantry gives struggling service members access to meals & more
Blaine Stewart 6:11 AM, Jan 09, 2023
During my visit, I learned part of the food pantry’s expansion is thanks to corporate donors. I watched as volunteers with the Indigo Autism Center sorted a donation of frozen breakfast sandwiches from Starbucks stores. There was also a delivery from Target being unloaded as I arrived.
“Now, we’re able to offer our military families meats and frozen items and refrigerated items as well,” she added.