In many parts of America, a trip to the grocery store is a simple errand. But for thousands of families across the country—and right here in Smyth County—that trip is anything but simple. For some, it's a matter of distance. For others, it’s the rising cost of food. For many, it’s both.
Across the United States, nearly 40 million people live in what the USDA calls “low-income, low-access” areas—neighborhoods where healthy food options are scarce and supermarkets are miles away.
Here in Smyth County, Virginia, the challenge is quietly persistent. With a population just under 30,000, roughly 13% of residents live below the poverty line. Many families live outside the main commercial corridors, where grocery stores are few and far between. Public transportation is limited. For those without reliable vehicles, fresh food isn’t just expensive—it’s out of reach.
It’s no surprise, then, that families in crisis often make difficult decisions at the checkout line: Do we buy fruits and vegetables, or do we buy something cheaper that will simply stretch across more meals? Do we skip the trip altogether and grab what’s available at the gas station down the road?
According to the USDA, in 2023 alone, 13.5% of American households experienced food insecurity. Many of them understood what they should eat. They simply couldn’t afford to.
Through our ministry truck, we bring fresh fruits and vegetables directly into neighborhoods across Smyth County. We sell at affordable prices, and every purchase helps fund free grocery boxes for families in need.
We are currently seeking 10 local families to partner with us in this launch phase as recipients.
If you're reading this and know someone who could benefit—or someone who might want to help—reach out.
"If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth".
