The mission of the Military Chow Hall Food Pantry and Service Center is to eliminate hunger in Washington Court House and surrounding areas by serving veterans and active-duty military personnel with grace and dignity. In doing so, we will work to reduce the food insecurity within our veteran community, promote hope, and provide access to resources that will increase self-sufficiency amongst our military heroes.
MILITARY CHOW HALL MISSION
LEARN ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
Founder Christina Young on why she started the Military Chow Hall Food Pantry in March of 2023:
“Why did I create the Military Chow Hall?”
Being a daughter and spouse of a Marine veteran, in addition to having countless friends and family members currently either in the service, or veterans themselves, I have always been very passionate about respecting and supporting our brave men and women in uniform. For as long as I can remember, I have participated in activities that supported our military families both overseas and at home. From writing letters, and sending care packages, to gathering donations, and “adopting a service member” on the holidays, to dropping off home cooked meals. Helping others was my way of showing appreciation for all that they do in both protecting our freedoms and defending our great nation.
When my husband and I moved to Washington Court House roughly 3 years ago, we had joined several local veteran/ military organizations, such as the American Legion and the VFW. During our first few years here, we actively participated in charity rides, benefit dinners, music events, and other community activities that benefited a local veteran or veteran organization in which we had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and hear so many heartbreaking and heartwarming stories, that our friendships and “family” grew. We quickly realized though, that there was a great need for more veteran support in our area.
After having done some research and reflection on the areas that would provide the most support to our veterans and active-duty military, in relation to the other organizations in town, I knew what needed to be done. I decided to create a place where instead of helping just one veteran every week or month, we could help dozens of veterans all at the same time! Thus, the creation of the Military Chow Hall Veteran Food Pantry and Support Center.
As the pantry continues to grow, we have been able to meet more and more amazing veterans and community members. In doing so, the support avenues that we provide to our veterans also continue to grow. In addition to providing monthly food bags, these avenues now include hygiene products, pet supplies, school supplies, answers to insurance questions, home and health care, mental health support, and a safe and judgment free meeting center, where we can continue to listen to the needs of our veterans.
We look forward to expanding our resources and continuing to improve the quality of life and support we show and provide to our veterans and active-duty military members.
STATS AND FACTS:
- Of the 1,424 veterans in Fayette County, 43.53% have a disability rating of 10% or higher due to injuries while serving or service related.
- 8.86% of our veterans are living at or below poverty rate, with hundreds more just barely above (.5%-3% above) The poverty income rate is $13,000 /individual and roughly $26,000 for a family of 4 as a guideline. Our veterans need our help!
- Since our creation 6 short months ago we have grown 700% in the number of Veterans we serve!
- We have distributed more than 3,000 items since we’ve started.
- Our most recent community/veteran outreach program, “Operation Back to School”, brought in 238 sets of school supplies for local families
- The Military Chow Hall Food Pantry is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization
ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY FOOD RESOURCES:
Fayette County Food Pantry
214 North Hinde Street
Washington Court House, OH 43160
740-335-2067
Hours of Operation:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-3pm
Fresh produce on the 1st Friday and 3rd Monday of each month from 1-2:30pm
Heritage Memorial Church
412 Rose Avenue
Washington Court House, OH 43160
740-335-1079
Hours of Operation:
-Mondays from 8:45-11:15am
-Fresh produce on the 2nd Tuesday of each month
-this is a pull-up pantry, please stay in your vehicle, line up starts at Pearl St.
Gregg Street Worship Center
424 Gregg Street
Washington Court House, OH 43160
740-335-8625
Hours of Operation:
-3rd Monday of each month from 4-6pm
Second Chance of Hope
420 W. Oakland Avenue
Washington Court House, OH 43160
740-620-4133
Hours of Operation:
-open daily Monday-Friday from 10am-2pm
-bring ID and current mail to verify residence
VETERAN SUPPORT SERVICES:
Fayette County Veterans Service Commission
133 South Main St, Suite 404
Washington Court House, OH 43160
Phone: 740-335-1610
Fax: 740-333-3587
Hands of Christ Street Ministry
Providing clothing, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, small household items
301 W. Elm Street
Washington Court House, OH 43160
Lori Bowen: 740-463-1885
Mindy Massie: 740-606-3026
Hours of Operation:
By appointment ONLY, call above contacts for appointment
Suicide Prevention Hotline:
Dial 988, then press 1
Available 24/7
Gambling Addiction Hotline:
1-800-522-4700
Addiction Recovery Hotline:
866-901-1964
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans:
877-424-3838
SAMHSA National Helpline:
1-800-662-4357
