Each year, Food City recognizes outstanding volunteerism among their dedicated team of 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 are established to 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 thirteen district winners, followed by two divisional winners and finally the recipient of the highly esteemed Claude P. Varney Humanitarian Award.  

Karen Umberger of Marion, VA was selected as this year’s Claude P. Varney Humanitarian Award recipient.  Umberger works as a Computer Room Operator at the Marion Food City.  She is a member of the American Red Cross Disaster Team, where she has passionately served for the past six years, dedicating more than 1200 hours annually.  Umberger works tirelessly to give back to those in need.  She has been deployed to numerous flood and natural disaster areas, working closely with Red Cross clients in shelters and performing property damage assessments.  She also works fires and other disasters locally, serving on call for 12-hour shifts and typically covering up to 3 counties.  This can necessitate drive times up to an hour to and from calls, which often occur in the middle of the night.  Umberger helps Red Cross clients with temporary accommodations, financial assistance, and property damage assessments.  Her role also requires extensive training and continued education.  

“I really appreciate Food City allowing their volunteers the opportunity to enter this contest in order to provide financial assistance to their charity,” says Umberger.  “I feel so honored that I was chosen as the recipient of the Claude Varney Award.  Red Cross is such a worthy cause and helps so many people.  Thank you, Food City!”

Umberger was recognized with an award and a $1,250 contribution on her behalf to the charity of her 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 138 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama.