Each year, Food City recognizes outstanding volunteerism among their dedicated team of associates through the Claude P. Varney Volunteer Recognition Program.  

“As a company, we’re committed to giving back to the communities we serve, while providing a work environment that enables our associates to grow both personally and professionally as successful members of our team,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. “Many of our associates volunteer their time and talents in service of charitable organizations throughout the region and we’re proud to recognize their efforts.” 

The program is named in memory of Food City’s beloved former president and board vice-chairman of 47 years, Claude P. Varney, who was well-known for his tremendous compassion and humanitarian services. An independent panel of judges review associate nominations. Winners are selected based upon outstanding achievements in the areas of health, education, environment, cultural arts, recreational, heritage/history and public service. One winner is selected from each Food City store. The field is then narrowed to thirteen district winners, followed by two divisional winners, and the overall recipient of the Claude P. Varney Humanitarian Award. 

Isabella Catron of Rogersville, TN and Sarah Fennell of Blaine, TN were named this year’s division winners.

Catron serves as a cashier for the Food City in Rogersville, TN. Over the past three years, she has dedicated over 300 service hours to Heritage Lites Youth Leadership. Catron assists with various community needs, including staffing the information booths for the local Heritage Days Festival to connect community members with available resources and activities. She also assists with a number of other programs, including Second Harvest Food Bank’s mobile pantry and One Accord’s Thanksgiving food distribution for families facing food insecurity. During the holiday season, Catron shops for and wraps Christmas presents for the “Christmas for the Children” program to benefit children in need throughout her community.

“I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. My volunteer service has transformed me and taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the importance of community. These experiences have shaped my values and motivated me to continue pursuing a life dedicated to service,” says Catron.

Fennell serves as Customer Service Coordinator for the Food City in Blaine, TN. In addition to working a full-time job at her local tax office and part-time at Food City, she assists numerous organizations throughout her community. Fennell is a 17-year volunteer with tnAchieves, assisting high school seniors in obtaining books, completing Free Application for Federal Student Aid and other college admission applications, and encouraging students to remain in school. She has volunteered with Grainger County 4-H for more than 35+ years, working with 4th and 5th graders to assist with club meetings, learning projects, and teaching life skills. Fennell has worked with the Grainger County Tomato Festival for the past 26+ years, where she serves as Treasurer and Commerce & Craft Chairman, helping showcase agriculture, talent, and business within the county.  She designs vendor applications, festival maps, ensures vendors have available booth space, and serves as treasurer and commerce and craft chairman for the festival. Fennell is also a 35+ year volunteer with Grainger County Farm Bureau Women, advocating home agriculture and farming, assisting with monthly planning, agricultural event demonstrations, and helping to develop local businesses.

“It is a tremendous horror to receive the Claude Varney award. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, make friends, and help others while giving back to my community. I really appreciate Food City allowing their employees the opportunity to enter this contest and for the support they provide to the community,” says Fennell.

Both division winners will be recognized for their outstanding achievements and Food City is making a $750 contribution on their behalf to the charity of their choice. 

“We’re extremely proud of the difference our associates make in their community by devoting their time and talents in the service of others,” said Smith.

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 159 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama.