Food City’s retail supermarket chain annually recognizes outstanding volunteerism among their associates through their 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 twelve district winners, followed by two divisional winners. 

Rick Shuler of Chilhowie, VA and Sarah Fennell of Blaine, TN received this year’s coveted divisional awards. 

Shuler serves as a Produce Helper for the Chilhowie, VA Food City.  He volunteers his time and talents to assist a number of organizations throughout his community.  Shuler currently serves as Pastor for Lynnside Fellowship Church.  He is responsible for the oversight of the church and assists with their charity events and activities.  He is a member of the Atkins Ruritan and assists with a wide range of community outreach programs.  He is also a member of the American Legion and helps with fundraisers and special events to honor area veterans.  He serves as President/CEO for Eagle Mountain ECO Park, hosting events and assisting with guest services.  He assists his local animal shelter with rescue and adoption services and provides basic medical care.  He helps organize and prepare monthly meals for those in need throughout the community.  He assists single parents in need of food, clothing, shoes and support.  Working through the Evergreen Project, Shuler helps council the homeless, assist with meal preparation and organize joint tree planting events to provide a sense of accomplishment and build self-worth.   

“I was surprised and honored to receive such an award.  With that being said, I want to stay grounded and not loose site of what my true purpose is and that is to help others that are less fortunate,” said Shuler.    
Sarah Fennell serves as a Cashier for the Blaine, TN Food City.  She is very active within her community, serving in numerous capacities.  She is a 4-H Leader and facilitates club meetings, assists student leaders, encourages students and judges contests and competitions.  In association with her 4-H activities, she also volunteers at Rutledge Middle School and Grainger High School, assisting with their On My Own program designed to teach life and financial management skills to prepare students for real life experiences.  She is an active participant with Farm Bureau Women, organizing support for activities at the local, state and national levels, hosting events and assisting with student classroom programs and tours.  She is an appointed member of the Grainger County Emergency 911 Board of Directors and Grainger County Agricultural Extension Advisory Board.  She serves as a Tennessee Promise/Achieve Mentor, providing student support as they navigate the college process.  She serves on the Grainger County Cattleman’s Association Scholarship Committee.  As the mother of a son with Muscular Dystrophy, she assists the Muscular Dystrophy Association in fundraising efforts, events and raising awareness for the Greater East Tennessee Chapter.  Fennell is also an active member of Blue Springs Church, serving as Assistant Sunday School Clerk, Chair of the Social Committee and member of their Finance Committee,

“I appreciate the opportunity to volunteer and give back to my community. I especially enjoy working with the students in Grainger County,” says Fennell.

A special corporate luncheon was recently held to recognize the recipients 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 132 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, Chattanooga and north Georgia.