Bonnie Cranmer
Contributing writer
In Southwest Virginia, one in nine neighbors are food insecure. On the second Wednesday, June 12 from 3-5 p.m. this month, Feeding Southwest Virginia rolls into New Castle with fresh food and other staples to support the community. People with EBT cards are able to use benefits for additional discounts on special foods. Staples include flour, peanut butter, canned goods, eggs and much more.
Feeding Southwest Virginia is the food bank that serves the region. Feeding SWVA is a part of the Feeding America food bank system. Their mission is to serve the 12,400 square mile region “through a network of partners and to develop solutions to address food insecurity throughout our region,” their website states.
The New Castle Christian Church is the host for Feeding SWVA on the second and third Wednesdays. On their second monthly visit, June 19, they will be joined by the Wellness Wagon, the refurbished bus bringing acupuncture and relief to the public. “On June 19th, we will be at New Castle Christian Church from 4pm to 6pm. This is another great opportunity with a lot of participation,” says Mike Holcomb, Wellness Wagon coordinator.
The Wellness Wagon partners with Feeding SWVA in Craig County to provide free and reduced priced acupuncture and other social services to the community. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, is renowned for its ability to promote relaxation and well-being. The best way to learn about acupuncture is to experience it for yourself. Inside the refurbished bus that arrives on the third Wednesday each month, trained staff will provide a 20–25-minute treatment which calms the client’s central nervous system, and the sense of calm can last for days to weeks.
Residents are invited to come out on the two Wednesdays this month and enjoy the access to fresh food and experience the power of acupuncture. To learn more about these two community organizations contact Feeding Southwest Virginia at https://feedingswva.org/ and the Wellness Wagon at https://wellnesswagonva.org/.