Food pantry sees spike in visits as pandemic SNAP benefits expire

Contributed Report

The supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families and individuals. In the last three years households and individuals eligible for food assistance received an additional sum each month as part of a pandemic-era increase to combat hunger. The additional SNAP benefits ended on Feb. 28, causing recipients to lose the additional pandemic income. The benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income, but on average a family of three could lose nearly $285 per month from their supplemental food budget due to the decrease in their benefits.

Because of the SNAP benefits reduction and inflation, the GoochlandCares Food Pantry has seen a rise in the need for food. “Usually, we see 200-210 households a week,” said Doug Chiles, GoochlandCares food pantry manager. “Since the SNAP benefit reduction at the end of February, the need for food has increased visits to 240-250 visits per week.”

GoochlandCares will be hosting an annual spring food drive on April 22. However, the food pantry needs food until the drive.

“April 22 is a month away,” said Chiles. “We need nonperishable items, personal and household supplies now more than ever.”

The food pantry always

Goochland History Revealed

accepts food donations from individual citizens, businesses, churches, schools, civic organizations, neighborhoods and others.

Donations may be dropped off at GoochlandCares, located at 2999 River Road West. A staff member or volunteer will accept the donation or donations can be placed in bins or boxes at the far end of the building just outside the food pantry.

Donations are accepted Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, only canned items are accepted and can be placed in the drop off bins located outside the food pantry door.

Food Pantry shopping hours are Monday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Friday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Those who have questions or need further information about donations or organizing a food drive are asked to contact Dominic Alexander, director of volunteer engagement, at (804) 556-0400 or dalexander@GoochlandCares.org or Doug Chiles, food pantry manager, at (804) 556-0201 or dchiles@GoochlandCares.org. More information can also be found at www.GoochlandCares. org.

AGEE’S PASSION FOR HISTORY

Helped Shape Local Magazine

helene Barret agee (1904 -1984) was born helene natalie Barret and grew up at her father’s family home, Mount Bernard, on route 6. The daughter of dr. Morris Barret and helene natalie nestorowitsch, she developed an interest in history at an early age. she is best known for her history book “Facets of Goochland.” however, her contributions extend far beyond that title. she contributed a number of articles to the Goochland historical society’s Magazine, such as “anyone for Ghosts” and “Monterey.” her “historical sketch” of the county appeared in the very first issue (spring, 1969). In this photograph, taken in June 1938, helene (holding dog) is pictured with Benjamin Temple Barret, dr. Morris Barret, John syme Barret and helen nestor Barret (dodge).

Property Transfers

100.002 acres; SRFGoochland LLC to Arthur E. Havens III, $275,000.

2.18 acres; Terri A. Fleming-Davis to Jason R. Wells, $365,000.

4.139 acres; West Creek MOB II LLC to Emerson Ventures LLC, $1,993,530.

7004 Benhall Circle, Glen Allen; Thomas P. Bradshaw to Daniel J. Lohss, $627,000.

2432 Chapel Hill Road, Goochland; Walter Brandon Sullivan to Benjamin Smith, $320,000.

4724 Fleming Road, Louisa; Heirloom Reclaim and

Design LLC to Tyler Roy Campbell, $412,000.

Lot 11, Section 9, Kinloch; Kinloch Development Corp. to Ronald M. Landess, $690,000.

Lot 4, Legacy Pointe; Newton G. Lohr to Robert Carrel, $350,000.

5251 Loving Springs Lane, Goochland; New Ventures Real Estate LLC to Maylin Sobeyda Martinez Hernandez, $329,950.

302 Piping Rock Road, Manakin Sabot; Boone Homes Inc. to Steven Pearson, $732,290.

4158 Royal Ridge Court, Louisa; Curtis C. Lauver to Brent M. Pannill, $450,000.

4400 Spring Rock Road, Gum Spring; Jeffrey E. Brock to Arul David Selvarayan, $500,000.

12015 Talavera Terrace, Richmond; HHHunt Homes LC to Theresa M. McDonnell, $535,725.

1.451 acres; Jerry G. Jennings to Jacob Anthony Perkins, $199,900.

2 parcels; Elijah W. Owen to DKJC LLC, $180,000.

Please see PROPERTY, Page 3