(Danville) — The local food pantry is getting a big grant to expand out of their biggest outreach efforts.
Ashley Womack with T-Mobile made the announcement this weekend at God’s Storehouse. “Out of 800 applicants this past quarter, God’s Storehouse was one of only 25 selected to receive a $50,000 Hometown Grant,” Womack said.
God’s Storehouse Assistant Director Rachael McKinney says the $50,000 will expand their Malcolm Huckabee backpack program that sends local needy students home each weekend with food. “We currently serve, on average, 199 children weekly,” McKinney said. “That adds up to about 8,000 bags that go home with students every weekend.”
Shelly Ashworth says specifically, the money will expand the backpack program to Pittsylvania County schools. “We’re just ready to go and make a positive impact on these kids in Pittsylvania County,” Ashworth said.
The backpack program has been operating for six years.
Also this weekend, God’s Storehouse launched their annual Summer Cereal & Peanut Butter Drive.