United Food Operation, Inc. will kick off its annual drive to distribute over $50,000 in food during the next 12 weeks 10 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2018 at its distribution center in Institute. 

Each winter, United Food Operation distributes pallets of food, free-of-charge, to 12 independent food pantries around the Kanawha Valley. These distributions significantly augment the pantries' limited resources during the winter's peak demand for their services. 

Members of the media are invited to attend the kickoff event, which will include recognition of major contributors and a key volunteer. 

What:         Kickoff celebration for United Food Operation’s annual Food Drive

When:        10 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2018

Where:       United Food Operation Distribution Center 

                    (on Route 25, across from the Institute Post Office)

Founded in June 1981 by members of organized labor and their employers, United Food Operation, Inc. is supported primarily by the voluntary contributions of employees and employers of Charleston, West Virginia area business, industry, and government entities. It is an all-volunteer effort that operates out of donated warehouse and office space. With extremely low overhead—it pays no salaries, rent, utilities, or expensive fundraising campaign fees—more of its contributions go directly to purchasing food that is distributed to the needy through a network of local food pantries.