Our Mission
The Colonial Heights Food Pantry is committed to the well-being of our community to build a better tomorrow.
Guiding Principles
We believe that:
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Everyone should have access to good and healthy food.
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Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
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When basic needs are met, people are able to improve their circumstances.
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We are all here to help others.
OUR TEAM
Our team is broad and deep, and we could not meet our mission without many people and partners coming together. If you have ever donated financially or contributed food or your time, then YOU are certainly part of our team! In fact, if you have ever been part of a community event that helps raise awareness about our work, then YOU are absolutely part of our team. If you would like to get even more involved, please click here for more information.
Volunteers provide the pantry with more than 200 hours of “people-power” each week. Volunteers donate their time—often multiple times per month—and help us with food pick-ups, sorting, storing, packing, and assisting with distribution. They also pitch in to help with needed clerical and office-work responsibilities.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life – including those who are retired, students, or business owners and families. Groups from Fort Lee, area businesses, churches and civic clubs often volunteer during distribution times. What brings all of these varied ones together is the common purpose of giving back to our community and being helpful to those in need.
In FY2023, our volunteers served by donating more than 9,0000 hours! Our dedicated volunteers give the CHFP more than 800 hours every month!
Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors stewards our mission. These men and women devote their time, energy, and resources to supporting our work in the community. Founded in 2006 by local concerned citizens and area businesses, and galvanized into a mission by pantry founder Ruth Chappell, the Colonial Heights Food Pantry has grown from its initial 148 sq. ft. trailer to its current 5,400 sq. ft. building and from serving 4 families to serving over 483K meals in FY2023. The Colonial Heights Food Pantry Board of Directors is always seeking new directors to join our work. If interested, please contact Executive Director Warren Hammonds.
Our current Board includes the following members:
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Abby Lynch, President
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Holly Pond, Vice President
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Julie Pond, Secretary
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Linda Coleman, Treasurer
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Patty Gates
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Dawn Kriigel
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Hugh Luck
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Teresa Manning
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John Rainey
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Cathy Shorts
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Patty Smith
Our Staff
Our dedicated staff each bring a passion for relieving hunger and in serving others, anchored by their sincere commitment to helping our community become healthier and stronger. Pictured left to right are: Warren Hammonds, Executive Director, Darrin Shorts, Food Distribution Coordinator,
Rose Keller, Volunteer Coordinator, and Jeremy Rommel, Client Services Coordinator.
