A grant awarded to Williamsburg House of Mercy is helping area residents who struggle to afford food over the summer. The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation donated more than $1,700 toward the nonprofit organization’s food pantry efforts.
The House of Mercy serves those who are homeless or struggling to maintain housing. The group offers two food pantries: A shelf-stable option accessible once a month that emphasizes rice, soups, canned meats, vegetables and other foods with a long shelf life, and the mobile food pantry, which partners with the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank to distribute fresh food bimonthly in Williamsburg and Toano.
The organization receives no federal or state funding, instead it relies on community donations. In 2017 it provided food, clothing, medical assistance and other services to more than 2,300 people.
In a news release, House of Mercy executive director Shannon Woloszynowski said the Food Lion grant will feed more than 500 children during the remainder of the summer, a time of year where resources are especially strained.
“This will make an impact as working parents struggle to make ends meet and children on summer vacation eat more meals at home,” she said.
To donate or inquire about assistance, visit Williamsburg House of Mercy at 10 Harrison Ave. or call 253-0664.
