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Walking into the Prince Edward Cannery and seeing 800 empty, label-free cans stacked neatly in rows was a daunting sight. The task ahead—filling each of those cans with a hearty, nutritious stew to feed our community’s most vulnerable residents—could feel overwhelming. But when you looked around and saw the faces of dedicated volunteers, eager to lend a hand, the weight of the work became a little lighter, the small act of service a bit clearer.

To explain, it was meant as a holiday gift, a way for thousands of people to have a better Thanksgiving. A group of hunters, farmers and nonprofits in town joined together, with the goal of helping fix food insecurity. 

The Piedmont Health District, FACES Food Pantry, Hunters for the Hungry, Feed More, Prince Edward Extension and Prince Edward County all partnered to produce and distribute 800 cans of venison stew. As they look back on what was accomplished, group members believe it’s possible to tackle similar projects in the future. 

“I first learned about this inspiring initiative during a forum hosted by the Virginia Department of Health, where I had the chance to hear from colleagues across the state,” said Sarah Kott. She serves as the Population Health Manager for the Virginia Department of Health Piedmont Health District. “One story, in particular, caught my attention: a similar project in Bedford County, where local volunteers came together to can meals for families facing food insecurity. I knew immediately that this was something we could—and should—do for our neighbors in the Piedmont Health District.” 

A small act of service

It’s heart-wrenching to know that so many individuals will go without a home, a hot meal, or the warmth of family and friends during the holidays, Kott added. The holiday season can be a time of great joy for many, but it can also amplify feelings of loneliness, hunger, and isolation for those who are struggling. 

“That’s why I was determined to bring this project to our community—a project that not only provides tangible assistance but also fosters deeper connections among all of us,” Kott said. “I knew that we had all the necessary ingredients to make it happen—our local volunteers, the cannery, and a supportive network of community organizations that are always eager to help. What we needed was the vision and the collective will to bring it all together. And once that vision was set, it was incredible to see the community rally behind it.” 

One of the most moving moments of the project, Kott said, came when a young volunteer from the 4-H club arrived to help. This teen, eager to make a difference, rolled up his sleeves and jumped right in, working alongside other volunteers with a sense of energy and enthusiasm that was contagious. His excitement was so inspiring that his grandparents, who had come along to drop him off, decided to stay and lend a hand. 

“They were so moved by the outpouring of support and the community spirit that they came back the following Monday to help finish the last of the cans,” Kott said. “Their willingness to return and see the job through to the end exemplified the true heart of volunteerism—how one small act of service can inspire others to give, too.

The power of human connection

On canning day, Kott said she had the privilege of working alongside Rodney, the manager of the cannery.

“As we filled cans with stew, I witnessed Rodney jumping in to help and giving amazing advice on the best way to can,” Kott said. “As I glanced around, I noticed every cannery employee assisting the volunteers. I also had the chance to meet local community members who use the cannery, and one of them even graciously shared a can of yams he made with me. In those moments of shared work, I was reminded of something simple yet profound: the power of human connection. Here we were, working side by side, united by the shared goal of helping others. It wasn’t just about food—it was about building relationships, creating bonds, and working together to make our community stronger.”

This small act of service, in its essence Kott said, is about more than just filling empty cans. It’s about filling hearts, creating a culture of giving, and helping people realize that they are not alone, especially during the holidays. And what’s truly remarkable is how many people in our community came together to make this happen. Families, students, church groups and local organizations all joined forces to lend a hand, each person contributing what they could to ensure the success of the project.

“There’s a saying that “it takes a village” and I’ve seen this played out in the most beautiful way through this partnership,” Kott said. “People from all walks of life coming together, united by a single goal to ensure that everyone in our community has something to eat this holiday season and hopefully beyond. These kinds of initiatives remind us that the true spirit of the holidays is not found in the gifts we exchange or the decorations we hang, but in the way we show up for each other.“

Helping the overlooked

It’s about how we support our neighbors when they are facing hardship, Kott said, and how we come together to meet the needs of those who might otherwise be overlooked.

“As I reflect on the success of this project, I feel hopeful,” Kott said. “ The willingness of our community to come together—whether through volunteering their time, donating food, or simply lending a listening ear—reminds me that we are capable of so much more when we work together. The impact of this initiative extends far beyond the stew we’ve canned. It’s in the new friendships formed, the support networks built, and the renewed sense of community that we have fostered.”

As we navigate this holiday season, Kott encouraged everyone to think about the ways they can contribute, no matter how big or small. 

“The holidays can be tough for many, but if we all come together, we can make a meaningful difference,” Kott said. “This year let’s embrace the spirit of community partnership and remember that even a small act of kindness can have a ripple effect. Together, we can bring light to even the darkest of times, one can of stew at a time.”