'We're open and available'; Lynchburg's largest food pantry ready to serve community

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) -- Families in Lynchburg who are struggling to keep food on the table can now visit any of the 18 pantries in the city without limitation. Federal regulations on food distribution have been relaxed, so more food is available, and without income restrictions.

Park View Community Mission said they have been working quietly through the coronavirus pandemic and even did an outbound phone blitz to call 1,100 residents, only to find that most thought they had closed.

Their pantry 'Food for Families' is the city's largest.

Its operation has been converted from a self-service, shopping cart experience to providing pre-packaged boxes for pickup.

"We're here for the community. We're open and available," said Director of Food for Families Program, Rachel List. "For other community members who are able and willing to come out and serve, or donate in any way possible, because it's a community effort and we need all the help we can get right now."

The pantry has registered over 150 new families in the past month due to financial need, in addition to the neighbors already being served.

They are open 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., every Thursday and Saturday.

The food includes produce, meat, dairy and baked goods along with non-perishables, roughly equal to a two-week supply, depending on family size.

Park View Community Mission also said they are working with local churches to help those in need.

If you would like to donate or learn more, go online here.