Fighting Food Insecurity in Orange County, Virginia

For some, the question isn’t what’s for dinner — it’s will there be dinner at all?

In Orange County, Virginia, a quiet crisis continues to grow — one that too often hides behind closed doors, smiling faces, and hardworking families. It’s the crisis of food insecurity, and it affects far more of our neighbors than many realize.

A Community in Need

While Orange County is known for its rolling farmland, historic charm, and strong sense of community, many residents face difficult choices every day. Rising food prices, housing costs, and limited access to transportation have left families struggling to put healthy meals on the table.

At Good Samaritan, Inc., we see this reality up close. Each week, families, seniors, and children visit our food pantry — not because they want to, but because they have no other option. Just last week alone, we provided food to 330 individuals and 34 high school students, ensuring they wouldn’t go hungry.

But the need continues to grow — especially during times of hardship like government furloughs, job loss, or sudden emergencies. For families living paycheck to paycheck, one missed day of work can mean an empty refrigerator.

The Hidden Faces of Hunger

Food insecurity doesn’t always look like poverty. It affects working parents who can’t stretch their income far enough, elderly residents living on fixed incomes, and young students who rely on school meals as their main source of nutrition.

No child in Orange County should ever have to go to bed hungry or worry about having enough to eat at school. No parent should have to skip meals so their children can eat. Yet, these are choices that many of our neighbors face.

More Than a Meal

At Good Samaritan, we believe that feeding people is about more than providing food — it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and stability. Our food pantry and clothing closet offer immediate relief, but our mission goes beyond that. We’re working toward a future where no child is hungry or cold, and where every family has access to the support they need to thrive.

We also aim to raise funds for a home for women and children, creating a safe space for those in crisis to rebuild their lives. Because food insecurity is often just one part of a larger struggle — and true compassion means addressing every layer of need.

How You Can Help

This fight belongs to all of us. Every donation — whether financial support, non-perishable food, or volunteer hours — makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that the most vulnerable in our community are never forgotten.

If you’d like to help us continue feeding families in need, please consider donating today or organizing a food drive in your neighborhood, church, or workplace.

Because when we care for our neighbors, we strengthen our entire community.

Good Samaritan, Inc.Extending a helping hand in times of need.

www.goodsamaritaninc.org