Need some help while food prices surge? Here's a helpful list of neighborhood food banks.

Katelyn Waltemyer, Staunton News Leader
·4 min read
Lisa Hartley has a food pantry on 44 Peyton Street that is fueled by generous donations by Staunton residents.
Lisa Hartley has a food pantry on 44 Peyton Street that is fueled by generous donations by Staunton residents.

STAUNTON — When driving down Staunton's Peyton Street one will see a shelf next to a bright red cupboard. That's Lisa Hartley's food pantry.

The Country Cupboard is open to Staunton residents 24/7. It isn't a nonprofit or an organization so people in need can stop by whenever.

Hartley said the "fine people" of Staunton are what keep the pantry operative — it's fueled by donations from the public.

"It's not about recognition," Hartley said. "It's not about a name. It's about helping their neighbors, helping the community, those less fortunate in these challenging times."

More: P-EBT cards can be used to help Staunton City Schools nutrition program

More: Grocery stores face supply chain issues. Here's what we found in the Staunton area.

In Virginia alone, one in nine children faces hunger, and 44.9% of households receiving SNAP benefits have children, according to Feeding America.

But that's not all.

America's inflation is up 7.9%, making it the biggest spike in more than 40 years. With the rise in gas prices and grocery staples, households across the U.S. are having to make adjustments.

The increase in prices was from the past 12 months ending in February. USA Today reports that higher prices may be on their way since the report doesn't include gas price increases that followed Russia invading Ukraine.

People are hungry across the state, even in the Blue Ridge. So, for people struggling and don't want to bother with or are having issues with their governmental assistance, what do they do?

Here's a list of some other food pantries and kitchens in Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro that could help during this financially trying time.

Staunton food pantries

Central United Methodist Church, located at 11 N. Lewis St.

  • Pantry open every Wednesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church, located at 100 E. Frederick St.

  • Pantry open Monday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 214 W. Beverley St.

  • Free hot lunches Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. located in McCracken Hall

According to Hunter Moss, a different meal is prepared every day. Thursday they served beef stew with boiled potatoes, garlic bread and an ice cream sandwich. Several churches lend a hand to Trinity's soup kitchen.

Valley Mission, located at 1513 W. Beverley St.

  • Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served while the office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • People can apply to receive food boxes, which are filled with canned goods and other nonperishable items

Waynesboro food pantries

Salvation Army, located at 900 B. St.

  • Pantry open from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and again from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

  • Hot meals every Friday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Those who wish to use the food pantry must fill out a short application and provide a photo ID. If you don't have a photo ID, a birth certificate would be accepted for proof of identification.

West Waynesboro Church of Christ, located at 2212 Cortland St.

  • Pantry open on the second and fourth Monday of each month starting at 9:30 a.m.

  • Paperwork is required for first-time pantry goers

Augusta County food pantries

Lyndhurst United Methodist Church, located at 3528 Lyndhurst Road, Stuarts Draft

  • Pantry open on second Thursday every month from 5 to 6 p.m.

Bethany United Methodist Church, located at 3700 Lee Highway, Weyers Cave

  • Pantry open every Monday from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Verona Community Food Pantry, located at 68 Dick Huff Lane Verona

  • Pantry open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

  • Website advises those first-time pantry goers arrive 15 minutes before either closing time to fill out forms

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank has a food finder on its website. Type in your address and the closest ones to you will appear. Visit the website at foodfinder.brafb.org.

More: Costly rental market causes Staunton residents to seek help online while apartment hunting

More: Staunton disparities: Sidewalk quality on east end much better than west end

— Katelyn Waltemyer (she/her) is the government watchdog reporter for The News Leader. Have a news tip on local government? Or a good feature? You can reach Katelyn at kwaltemyer@newsleader.com. Follow her on Twitter @Kate_Waltemyer.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County fight hunger with food pantries