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.  

David Osborne of the Marion, VA Food City and Jack Lathrop from the Deane Hill Food City in Knoxville, TN received this year’s coveted divisional awards.  

David Osborne currently serves as the Store Maintenance Technician for the Marion, VA Food City.  He has served as a volunteer for Troutdale Fire and Rescue for the past 43 years and has also been a member of the Rugby Rescue for the last 3 years.  David devotes 40 hours monthly, for a total of 480 hours annually to these two organizations.  He originally became involved with the rescue teams to assist in rescuing lost individuals and help sick or injured friends and neighbors in need.  David serves as a driver for both organizations and is also CPR certified.

“I volunteer because I always want to help my neighbors. It is so hard to get volunteers these days. This the what the Lord has led me to do in my life,” says Osborne.

Jack Lathrop currently serves as Customer Service Coordinator for the Deane Hill Food City in Knoxville, TN.  Over the past 7 years, he has dedicated nearly 1,500 hours in service of his community.  Jack has served as a volunteer with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Fantasy of Trees event for the past 5 years.  He is a Design Team Lead and Sales Team Lead and is largely responsible for the sales floor plan and overseeing the sale of Christmas trees throughout the event.  Although he gladly assists in other capacities as needed and has a vast knowledge and experience in most all of the areas of responsibility.  Jack is also very active in his local church, Ridgedale Baptist Church, where he has served as a volunteer for the past 7 years.  He is a Team Leader and as such, each week he leads a team of youth into the community to serve on various projects.  Some examples of the organizations they have assisted include Lost Sheep Ministries, Ronald McDonald House, Meals on Wheels, and Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries, as well as visiting church members who are home bound, assisting with general yard work and various other helpful projects within the community.

“I have always been a believer in the power of community service.  I enjoy it immensely and make a point to get out into my community at least once a week to help.  Community service is such a big part of my life and I absolutely love doing it and I am proud to work for a company that shares my passion for serving others,” says Lathrop.

The winners received an honorary plaque and Food City will make a $750 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 134 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, Chattanooga and north Georgia.