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,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.  “Many of our associates volunteer their time and talents in service of civic organizations throughout the region and we’re proud to formally 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.  

Janet Little-Edge of Bluefield, Virginia and Shelly Roach of LaFayette, Georgia were named this year’s division winners.

Edge serves as a food service clerk for the Food City in Bluefield, Virginia. She has been volunteering within her community and local church for decades, working with prison ministries and family outreach organizations. She has spent the past ten years working with Missionaries of Grace Ministries, where she is instrumental in distributing Christian literature and resources to prisons across the east coast. She also assists with resident re-entry efforts, including housing, jobs, transportation, counseling, and community resources. She is a strong advocate for the ministry, speaking at local churches and other group meetings about the importance of prison ministry for inmates, their family, and the community. She is currently working on Janett’s House, a transitional home for homeless women leaving incarceration. 

“I am so thankful that Food City gives their associates recognition for their community service, and I’m excited to see funds donated for this project,” says Edge.

Roach serves as a food service clerk for the Food City in LaFayette, Georgia. She assists a number of organizations throughout the community and strives to help others receive the same type of support that changed her life. She works with Unified in Recovery community outreach projects, assisting with meetings, relationship building activities, addiction awareness events, providing peer support, and raising community awareness and support. She is actively involved with Walker County Jail Ministry, sharing her personal experiences, providing support, encouragement, and information on available resources. Roach also co-founded the Bee King Movement, which encourages acts of kindness and helps connect those in need with available resources. She received the Pay it Forward Award from Chattanooga News Channel 9 in recognition for the outstanding efforts of the Bee Kind movement. 

“I feel blessed to have changed my life, and with Gods help to be able to help and encourage others to do the same,” says Roach.

Both division winners were 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,” says Smith.

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 150 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama.