Nonprofit Spotlight Series: Culpeper Food Closet

For over thirty years, the Culpeper Food Closet has been on a mission to nourish individuals in our community who are experiencing food insecurity. Founded in 1984, the Culpeper Food Closet provides custom-packed food and personal care items for individuals living in Culpeper County. People may come to the food closet 3 times a month and pick up three days’ worth of food supplies. The food closet is open Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM and serves an average of 250 individuals a week. All this is done with the support of an all-volunteer staff of 70. In addition to providing meals, the Food Closet collaborates in providing food services to various groups such as the Culpeper Senior Center, St. Joseph’s Table at Precious Blood Catholic Church, S.A.F.E and others.

Faith Dickerson, who serves as the director for the Food Closet, shared, “We currently have two new volunteers who were previously clients of the Culpeper Food Closet and now they want to give back to others in need.” When asked about the ways the community can support the work the Food Closet is doing, Faith shared that monetary donations are always appreciated particularly as the price of food continues to rise. On average, keeping the shelves stocked five days a week can cost up to $800.00 per day.

On October 1st, the Culpeper Food Closet will launch its annual Buy-A-Bird campaign, a program that was created for providing Thanksgiving meals to needy families. These meals are

delivered the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The Food Closet hopes to provide for 650 families with a Thanksgiving meal this holiday season.

To learn more about the Culpeper Food Closet, please email Faith Dickerson at directorculpeperfoodcloset@gmail.com