beacons of hope

Fredericksburg’s Finest

bEACONS OF hOPE: tRENT & dEE sTINSON

by Jenna ELIZABETH eDWARDS

"Once you choose hope, anything is possible." - Christopher Reeve

Fredericksburg is home to two everyday super-people, Trenton 'Trent' and Deedre ' 'Dee ' Stinson, who have made the impossible possible by redefining HOPE as the active, community-fueled, relationship-oriented, dignity-centered process of Helping Other People Eat. Their non-profit organization, The Hub of HOPE, celebrated its one-year anniversary in May 2022; within that short time and with a predominantly volunteer staff, it has served over 44,000 nutritional meals to children and 571 households facing food insecurity within the Fredericksburg region.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as 'a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.' Food insecurity goes beyond the mere physical discomfort of hunger and becomes constant psychological uncertainty as to where the next meal is going to come from over a prolonged period of time.

Food insecurity is a major challenge facing the ALICE population served by the Hub of Hope. ALICE is an a c r o n y m affectionately created by The United Way in its search to describe working and disabled families in our community that do not qualify for the safety net of assistance; however, they face crises in meeting their basic needs for nutrition. A-L L-I I-C C-E E stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, but Employed households who earn above the Federal Poverty Line, but below the basic cost of living. ALICE workers are often service workers such as cashiers, nursing assistants, office clerks, servers, laborers, teachers, credit union and postal workers, veterans, and security guards. Within the Fredericksburg region, the following proportion of people are unable to afford basic living costs, according to the 2020 United for Alice Virginia Report: 54% in Fredericksburg; 37% in Spotsylvania; 29% in Stafford; 26% in King George, and; 44% in Caroline, respectively.

The inspiration for HOPE derives from the Stinsons' personal experience of food insecurity in 2012, the community of support that helped them navigate that difficult time, and their commitment to honoring the integrity of those facing similar challenges. As a young couple growing their family, the Stinsons decided that Trent's enrollment in Georgetown University's Executive MBA program would contribute so much to their long-term well-being, despite the short-term impact it had on their family. They were the ALICE population. They lived it and survived with help from others in their community. The experience reaffirmed for them that what a person is truly dealing with is often not obvious on the surface.

Fast forward a decade, and the Stinsons are not only stronger than ever, but using their resources to directly benefit and empower the community.

Later this year, they will launch a fast casual restaurant brand built on altruism. Cosner's Corner will experience a taste of HOPE with the opening of HOPE

Heroes, a social enterprise that will engage the community for good. The business model is best described as "Buy-ABowl…Give-A-Bowl." A percentage of the restaurant profits will be reinvested in ongoing HOPE programming through the nonprofit meal services of The Hub of HOPE to address food insecurity in the Fredericksburg region. Profits, loyalty rewards, and round up donation opportunities will help support child nutrition through Food2Go, a strategic partnership with the USDA & Virginia Department of Health (Child Nutrition Division). Additionally, services and support for the HOPE for 30 community service, through which any individuals or family in need receive freshly prepared, nutritious meals for up to 30 days, no questions asked.

The Stinsons have an incredibly generous and talented team of restaurant professionals supporting them - including Food Networks: Cutthroat Kitchen finalist, Veteran, and world-traveled Chef Jessica Danielle, whose Biscuit Batch Business has quickly become a favorite at local farmer's markets, as well as Culpeper Chef Tiras Greene, who is serving up some phenomenal Carolina-style BBQ through his family's Humble Soul BBQ Food Truck.

"If everyone were to be honest, none of us have achieved, persevered or overcome struggles in our lives without getting help from someone. We are people helping people. We are a community coming together to make a difference," The Stinsons affirmed during the Hub's one-year anniversary community benefit dinner in May 2022.

Jenna Elizabeth is partner of the Edwards Law Firm PLLC and a local realtor. Her Facebook page, The Writing Realtor, highlights local business owners and community members to showcase why the Fredericksburg region is an amazing place to live. Facebook: TheHubOfHope; FOodToGo; HopeHeroes USA HubofHopeUsa.com