Members of the media are invited to join United Food Operation, Inc. as it kicks off its 40th annual drive 11 a.m. Friday, January 14, 2022 to collect food during the next 12 weeks for area food pantries. 

“Thanks to our outstanding contributors and volunteers, each year we are able to help area pantries feed more than 30,000 West Virginians,” UFO Chair Elaine Harris noted. “Unfortunately, the pandemic hindered our ability to open our warehouses in 2021, so we had to make alternative arrangements to distribute food to the pantries. This year, we’re grateful to be able to open up our warehouses once again.

“This kickoff is a great way to celebrate that work and energize everyone involved, and to enjoy reuniting in a safe, socially distanced manner.” 

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.

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

When:         10 a.m. Friday, January 14, 2022

Where:        United Food Operation Distribution Center

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

* Masks will be required while in or around warehouse properties.

Founded 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.