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For those struggling financially, a mobile food bank will be returning to Charlotte County this weekend. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food boxes will be distributed, along with food purchased with donations from Mt. Zion, Providence and Nazareth churches, on Saturday, Nov. 16. This will take place at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, located at 1303 Mt. Zion Road, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Church officials say they will close the event earlier than 10:30 a.m. if all boxes have been given out. This food bank is set up for those in the Phenix and Red House communities, along with other residents of Charlotte County who meet USDA low-income guidelines. 

What qualifies under USDA low-income guidelines? Any household with income that’s below 130% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. For example, if your household makes less than $1,300 a month in gross income or $15,600 a year, you may qualify. Church officials ask that people bring a large cardboard box to help carry the supplies and identification. They also offer a reminder that you can receive USDA food monthly at only one site in Virginia. When you arrive at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, just follow the line of traffic. You’ll then receive directions once you enter the parking lot. Everyone is asked to stay in their vehicle, as volunteers will load the box of food for you. 

Anyone with questions is asked to call Ms. Fannie Bernice Pannell at 434- 248-6465 after 5 p.m. and before 8 p.m.

Also, just a reminder that in accordance with federal law and USDA policy, the churches are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. 

Lewis M. Watson is pastor at Mt. Zion, Duane Seagle serves as pastor of Providence and Russell Lomax is pastor at Nazareth.