By Chelsea Blair
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jennifer Mason saw firsthand the struggles many seniors were facing in the Greenbrier Valley. In response, she launched a program aimed at providing food for local seniors. Once that initiative came to an end, Mason continued receiving calls from community members asking for emergency food assistance. Despite having spent the program’s funds on stocking up and donating food to local food pantries, Mason realized there was a growing need for more help.
Determined to respond to the ongoing need for emergency food in the area, Mason, alongside her cofounder Julian Levine, made the decision to create a full-time food emergency assistance program – The Greenbrier Valley Feeding Insecurity Fund. The new initiative would serve the counties of Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas, addressing the needs of individuals and families facing food insecurity.
“I really appreciate all of Julian’s help in creating this with me,” said Mason, who added that thanks to the support of the Greenbrier Valley Foundation and generous funding from Angus Peyton, head of The Peyton Foundation, the program was able to secure the resources needed to assist those in need.
“They were kind enough to provide funding for the needs of the community,” Mason said. “I appreciate Angus and all he does to help our community.”
The program is designed to address urgent food needs and is intended to be a short-term solution for individuals, churches, groups, and other organizations facing hunger-related crises. This initiative simplifies the process for those in need, offering an efficient, less time-consuming alternative to more complex funding programs. “Both the Greenbrier Valley Foundation and The Peyton Foundation have such great people who make this process so much easier.”
In a time of ongoing challenges, this initiative provides a vital lifeline to those in need, ensuring that no one in Greenbrier, Monroe, or Pocahontas counties goes hungry. Any donations made will directly support the purchase and distribution of food to those facing immediate food insecurity. Mason encourages those who can donate to contribute to the cause, as additional funding will allow for more food to be distributed to those who need it most. Donations can be made through the Greenbrier Valley Foundation or directly by contacting Jennifer Mason at jennifer.mason@dinsmore.com.