Demand for food and emergency assistance is increasing in Fluvanna County, even as donations struggle to keep pace.
The Fluvanna Christian Service Society (FCSS) has supported residents for more than 50 years and continues to play a key role in backing the MACAA/FCSS Food Pantry at Carysbrook, which it originally helped establish.
Local churches and residents have long supplied the pantry with nonperishable food donations. In recent months, however, those contributions have declined, forcing the pantry to purchase more food, including staples such as meat, dairy, and produce.
Funds donated through accounts at E.W. Thomas Grocery Store help offset some of those costs, but FCSS covers additional expenses through purchases from the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
The organization is also working with the Monticello Area Community Action Agency to assist residents facing financial emergencies. When households are unable to cover essential expenses such as rent, mortgages, or utility bills, MACAA may turn to FCSS for supplemental support.
Rising costs for food, fuel, and electricity — combined with reductions in some federal assistance programs — have contributed to increased demand for services, according to FCSS. As a result, the group’s financial contributions to MACAA programs have grown significantly over the past year.
“So I am asking you each to dig a little deeper,” said FCSS board member Gladys Albright. “Donate more food and/or donate more money to FCSS so we can continue to help our neighbors.”
Food donations can be made through local churches or directly at the food pantry, located at 8878 James Madison Highway in Fork Union. Monetary donations may be mailed to FCSS at P.O. Box 411, Palmyra.
