“ When you come to a place that makes you feel like a part of the community and isn’ t making you feel bad because you’ re in a situation that is out of your control, it’ s very welcoming.”
Impact Report Fiscal Year 2025
Our Food Pantry is Changing Lives
The Elmer Toth Food Pantry at the Weinstein JCC provides nourishment and restores hope for local individuals and families. Staff and volunteers create a warm, welcoming space that feels like a neighbor’ s kitchen, stocked with fresh produce, meats, and other essentials. This is made possible by donors, local grocery stores, volunteers, and staff, working together.
The individuals who walk through the doors feel a deeply personal experience. Stephanie Vance, recovering from serious health issues, reconnects with her dignity when she visits the food pantry. She said“ When you’ re at your lowest, dignity matters. Here, you feel like a person again.”
“ When you come to a place that makes you feel like a part of the community and isn’ t making you feel bad because you’ re in a situation that is out of your control, it’ s very welcoming.”
— Stephanie Vance
Christina Walton, who began coming after losing her job during a health crisis, says plainly,“ You don’ t understand desperation until it’ s you. The pantry gives real food, not leftovers.”
Justin Myles, a regular“ shopper” at the food pantry, says being greeted by name makes all the difference. He explains,“ The acceptance and belonging, that’ s the soul of this place.”
Benefa Anning’ s story reflects the heart of the JCC’ s food pantry. When she returned to Virginia and faced hardship, the JCC met their kosher and gluten‐free needs. As her life stabilized, she returned as a volunteer and offers others the same warmth she once received. Through its Feed More partnership, the Weinstein JCC Food Pantry continues to be a place where stability, dignity, and belonging are always on the menu.
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