S.E.R.V.E.: A Legacy of Compassion and Community Impact
For 45 years, S.E.R.V.E., Inc. has been a cornerstone of hope and nourishment in the Fredericksburg community. As the region's largest and oldest food pantry, S.E.R.V.E. provides vital food assistance to thousands of residents across Stafford, Caroline, Spotsylvania, and King George Counties and the City of Fredericksburg and Quantico. Through their innovative 'open-choice' pantry model, S.E.R.V.E. not only empowers guests to shop for themselves, treating them with dignity and respect, but also significantly reduces food waste and ensures that guests receive the items they need most.
Executive Director Lee Cheney explains, "Food insecurity or homelessness isn't chosen by affluence, race, faith, or culture—it just happens. As a culture, we can change the narrative through altruism and treating people with dignity." This philosophy underpins S.E.R.V.E.'s mission to address food insecurity strategically, provide emergency relief, and uplift community members.
One of S.E.R.V.E.'s defining features is its commitment to healthy food. Over 50% of the pantry's offerings are fresh items, including fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, eggs, honey, and herbs sourced from disabled veteran farmers. Cheney emphasizes, "Food IS medicine for our guests, and our procurement practices are a lifeline for retired service members healing through farming. It's a win-win for everyone."
In recent years, S.E.R.V.E. has experienced a dramatic increase in demand. Operations Manager Tim Morgan shares, "We've grown from serving nearly 800 individuals in July 2023 to almost 5,000 monthly. This growth is a testament to our community's need and the effectiveness of our efforts." To combat transportation barriers, S.E.R.V.E. launched mobile distributions in partnership with Mary Washington Healthcare and low-income housing communities, ensuring food reaches those who need it most. "This would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, who play a crucial role in our operations."
Beyond food, S.E.R.V.E. embraces a holistic approach to community care. Their programs include nutrition education, which has been instrumental in improving the health and well-being of our guests, access to local resources, and a community room stocked with donated clothing and household items. Cheney reflects, "We are here to give a 'hand up' and uplift our neighbors, helping them manage their household budgets more effectively."
For Finance Director Celeste Young, the mission is deeply personal. "Food is essential to our well-being and a vital basic need," she says. "SERVE bridges the gap between those who can and can't afford that way of living, bringing our community together to make the world a better place through acts of kindness and meaningful interactions."
The sense of joy and gratitude at S.E.R.V.E. is palpable. Cheney recalls the transformative impact of their produce market: "Senior citizens on fixed incomes, who used to garden but no longer can, now shop for free produce. One guest, who is on a 150-pound weight loss journey, visits twice weekly and shares recipes. Others bring back dishes from their cultures to share with volunteers and guests. It's a bountiful, joyful atmosphere that uplifts everyone."
S.E.R.V.E. also connects the community through its annual "Tee-Off Against Hunger" golf tournament at Gauntlet Golf Club. This year's event, scheduled for May 9, 2025, invites both sponsorships and team sign-ups. Cheney encourages community members to get involved: "We welcome visits, calls, and emails about needs or volunteer opportunities. Together, we can change the narrative on how we feed our communities."
At its heart, S.E.R.V.E. embodies compassion and resilience. As Young sums up, "Every success we achieve makes a difference in someone's life, and not everyone can say that. That keeps us connected and motivated to be good stewards of S.E.R.V.E.'s mission."
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For more information or ways to volunteer, check out serve-helps.org or send an email to our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@serve-helps.org.
