Feed More collects, prepares, and distributes food to neighbors in need. With a service area that stretches across 29 counties and five cities, our comprehensive programs and Agency Network are dedicated to providing neighbors who face hunger with one of the most basic necessities: nourishment.
Meet Sarah Dovel, Regional Manager for Feed More! Sarah has been part of our Mobile Produce Pantry Journey since the beginning, and even made a cameo appearance in the Mobile Produce Pantry video! Sarah guided us through the process of becoming a Feed More Agency, which allows us to acquire the fresh fruits and vegetables that get distributed within our communities! Sarah’s passion and Feed More’s continued support are the keys that unlock the possibilities of the Mobile Produce Pantry.
Q: Who are you and where are you from?
A: My name is Sarah Dovel, and I am from Richmond, VA (born and raised). I have been employed at Feed More for almost exactly 10 years! I began in our Volunteer Department, recruiting and managing volunteers for our Community Kitchen programs, and moved on working directly with our agency partners – area food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community nonprofits – as a ‘Regional Manager’, in 2015.
Q: What’s your mission and the community you serve?
A: Feed More collects, prepares, and distributes food to neighbors in need. With a service area that stretches across 29 counties and five cities throughout Central Virginia, our comprehensive programs and Agency Network are dedicated to providing neighbors who face hunger with one of the most basic necessities: nourishment.
Community means…Neighbors helping neighbors to grow a healthier and thriving place to live and work.
Q: What does community mean to you?
A: Neighbors helping neighbors to grow a healthier and thriving place to live and work.
Q: What’s the change you would like to see in Richmond?
A: I’d love to see expanded access to healthy, fresh foods in low-access areas, along with an increase in transportation assistance. World U.P. Foundation is such a great example of that goal, with the mobile produce model – taking healthy, fresh food to neighbors in need! The number of community gardens has really taken off in the last few years, which is wonderful to see!
Q: What do you love about Richmond?
A: My favorite thing about Richmond is the beautiful surroundings and outdoor activities we have right at our back door. The restaurant scene is outstanding as well. I think everyone that works at a food bank loves food!
Q: How does your organization promote Understanding and Peace?
A: We treat clients with dignity and respect. That is a top priority for Feed More as well as for our Agency Network. We know that it is not easy to go to a food pantry, and we want the experience to be as pleasant and helpful as possible. When the pandemic began, we had a huge influx of folks visiting pantries, who had never needed help before. We understand that when a family or person is in crisis, feeling supported and understood is essential.
“We understand that when a family or person is in crisis, feeling supported and understood is essential.”
Q: What values did you see in World U.P. that made you want to partner with us?
A: Nutritious foods remain at the core of our approach to closing the hunger gap in Central Virginia, and World U.P. exemplifies the goal of providing a consistent source of fresh, healthy produce, to low-access areas. World U.P. has a unique and innovative model with high growth potential to address food insecurity in areas often lacking healthy, fresh food access.
Q: How can people support your mission?
A: Donating food and funds, as well as volunteering! We are so grateful for any kind of support from the community. We are also on the lookout for new partners to collaborate with us so that we can increase food distributions in low-access areas.
Q: How can people find more about you/contact you?
Need Food Assistance?
Visit our online Agency Locator: https://feedmore.org/agency-network/agency-locator/
Call our Hunger Hotline: 804-521-2500, M-F, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
General questions:
Interested in becoming a Partner Agency? https://feedmore.org/agency-network/
Volunteer questions: volunteer@feedmore.org