FOOD IN A BOX

An outside-of-the-box solution



Cpl. Gary Jenkins of the Waynesboro Police Department has an idea.

“It’s no secret that the cost of food has risen drastically during the pandemic,” Jenkins said. “It has affected a lot of households here and we realize that you don’t necessarily have to be homeless to be hungry.”

Jenkins said participating in local food distributions opened his eyes to the prevalence of food insecurity in Waynesboro. The food is readily accepted. “That says to me that people are hungry,” he said. “People need food.”

Although he has no way of knowing how needy the people truly are, he knows they are not wealthy.

Lynn White of Wimberly House Ministries agrees. The ministry used to offer food in an outside box but stopped using it when the summer heat became an issue. The contents of the food box were often received.

Not everyone meets the eligibility requirements for Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), the electronic system that allows a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participant to pay for food using SNAP benefits. Some people fall into the grey area known as the working poor. They earn too much in wages to qualify for supplemental programs but don’t bring home enough in net pay to buy groceries. People surviving on less-than-living wages, often scrimp on food in order to cover expenses like gas in their cars.

“It’s a heavy burden,” Jenkins said. “They are making low wages, so food is a burden for them.”

At night, people walking around the downtown area is not an uncommon occurrence. They are not making their way to a destination, they have no where to go.

“These people are hungry,” Jenkins said. “It’s usually people who have bags or backpacks that contain their food and change of clothes.”

Although it may not seem like Waynesboro has a huge homeless population, there are people who Jenkins refers to as “couch surfers.”

“They don’t have a physical address,” he said. “They may not be out on the street sleeping, but they may be sleeping in an old abandoned home or staying at someone’s home temporarily.”

To help address the issue, Jenkins wants to see a food box set up near the WPD on Myrick Street. The idea is that anyone who needs it can come get nonperishable food 24-hours per day. Wimberly House Ministries and The Vineyard Church have agreed to partner up to supply the box.

Pastor Jennifer Knox said Vineyard Church has seen a substantial increase in families seeking food assistance. Last month they provided food for 70 compared to 15 people last May at their indoor facility. She believes a downtown-area food box is a good idea for people who do not have the transportation to get to the church pantry, situated approximately 3.5 miles from town. Having 24-hour access to a food pantry box eliminates embarrassment some might feel in asking for help.

Knox is concerned about the poverty rate in Burke County, estimated by Census.gov to be more than 23% in 2019, and estimated by some to be on the rise. She has seen families who typically make enough money to buy groceries but temporarily have run into tough times by way of car accident or unexpected illness. She also sees people receive the food being resourceful in how it gets cooked. Some have no electricity or kitchen appliances. Area gas stations equipped with microwaves might be the only choice. She believes people taking advantage of the free food who don’t really need it is a concern that doesn’t deserve merit.

“If it helps one person who really needs the help, then it’s worth it,” she said.

Some might oppose the proposed 24-hour accessible food pantry box, fearing somebody might help themselves to everything in it. Knox said that is not an issue that concerns her. Sometimes households consist of extended family members.

“If they take it all, then they probably need it,” she said. “We can resupply it.”

The idea will be presented to the Waynesboro City Council for their consideration next year. To Jenkins, the issue can’t be presented soon enough.

“I want to do something about the issue of the rising cost of food,” Jenkins expressed sincerely. “So often we have a negative image, because we are tasked with enforcing the law, and if we step aside and do something good for the people it will help create a positive image for the department and for individual officers as well.”

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