Food City’s retail supermarket chain annually recognizes outstanding volunteerism among their associates via the Claude P. Varney Volunteer Recognition Program.  The creation of the program came in response to President Bush’s call to boost volunteer efforts through corporate support.  During a June 2002 White House meeting, President Bush met with corporate leaders from organizations across the nation and key White House staff members to discuss objectives for his Businesses Strengthening America volunteerism campaign.  Steve Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer was among the select group. 

“As a company, we strive to maintain a high level of dedication to service, quality, value and community involvement, while providing a work environment that enables our associates to grow both personally and professionally as successful members of the team,” says Smith.  “Many of our associates volunteer their time and talents to numerous organizations in support of their communities and we felt it needful to formally recognize their selfless contributions.”

The program was entitled in memory of Food City’s beloved former president and board vice-chairman of 47 years, Claude P. Varney.  Varney was well-known for his tremendous compassion and humanitarian services.  Each year, committees review associate volunteer activities and select individual award recipients based on outstanding achievement in the areas of health, education, environment, cultural arts, recreational, heritage/history and public service.  One winner is selected from each Food City location.  The field is then narrowed to ten district winners, followed by two divisional winners. 

Jan Dingus from the Weber City, VA Food City and Joe Rogers of the Maynardville, TN Food City received this year’s coveted divisional awards. 

Jan Dingus has been employed with the Weber City, VA Food City for 28 years, where she currently serves as Baker.  She is a fifteen year volunteer with Appalachian Wildlife Association’s Farmer’s Expo, assisting with set-up, apple butter sales and other event fundraisers.  She is a fifteen year volunteer with her local Kid’s Fishing Day, soliciting donations, purchasing participant gifts, collecting donations of food and fishing supplies, assembling gift bags, preparing and serving lunch for the participants and staff and assisting participants during the event.  She is also a fifteen year volunteer with Dungannon and Shoemaker Elementary Schools, where she assist with fundraising efforts, the spring and fall festivals and field days, purchasing and assembling treat bags for each event.  She is a ten year volunteer with the Scott County Civitans, collecting donations and assisting with set-up and catering for their Special Education Picnic and coordinating the Special Education Christmas program.  She is a five year volunteer with her local Rotary Club, assisting with various fundraising events to purchase shoes for underprivileged children in Scott County.  She is also a five year volunteer with Coats for Kids, collecting coats for donation to local churches.

“I am honored to receive this award.  I am proud to work for a company that is so involved in our communities,” said Ms. Dingus.

Joe Rogers has been employed with the Maynardville, TN Food City for two years.  He currently serves as a Courtesy Clerk.  He is a fifteen year volunteer with the Union County Cemetery Association, where he maintains the grounds, researches, marks and logs into the historical books newly discovered graves, as well as those of military members.  He is also a seven year volunteer with the Historical Society of Union County, where he assisted with the restoration of Oak Grove School.

“I feel very honored to have received the Claude P Varney Award for my division.  I am thankful that I have the ability to help my community with not only my volunteer work, but also the monetary contribution that was presented to my organization,” said Mr. Rogers.

A corporate luncheon was recently held to publicly recognize these winners for their outstanding service achievements.  They were presented with an honorary plaque and Food City will make a $500 contribution (in addition to the district level contribution) on their behalf to the charity of their choice. 

“We’re extremely proud of the difference our associates make by devoting their time and talents to the service of others.  Our company is committed to providing our associates the support they need to become the best corporate citizens possible,” summarized Smith.

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 135 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, Chattanooga and north Georgia.