2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center (CFBOC), a milestone that reflects 15 years of dedication to fighting hunger and empowering lives in Chesterfield. Guided by the belief that no one should go hungry, CFBOC remains steadfast in its mission to address the root causes of hunger while providing nourishment to those in need. CFBOC is reflecting on its past and celebrating its growth in Chesterfield as the organization works to change lives—one can at a time.
A Reflection of the Past
The Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center officially received its 501(c)(3) status in 2010 under the name Gathering Grounds Ministry, founded by Travis and Karie Whittle. Their inspiration came from personal experience—having once struggled to feed their young family, they understood firsthand the challenges of food insecurity. Once in a more stable position, they felt a deep calling to support others facing similar hardships. With a foundation of faith, food, and community service, they set out to address the growing need for assistance.
Around 2011, the ministry had acquired a 9-acre property, transforming it into both a worship center and a food distribution hub. At the time, it served 25 to 75 families per week, while also hosting church services, outreach events, and community support programs.
In 2013, Gathering Grounds Ministry disbanded as a church organization, but its food pantry effort did not end. Leadership of the charitable mission transitioned to Kim Hill, who now serves as CFBOC’s Executive Director. Under her guidance, the food bank has grown significantly, expanding its reach and operations. Currently, the property serves as CFBOC’s headquarters, warehouse, and primary distribution site. Since 2020, the organization has provided between 2.5 to 3 million pounds of food annually to the community.
Today, CFBOC is a critical community hub and has notable significance in Chesterfield’s fight against hunger. The generosity and vision of the Whittles, carried forward by Ms. Hill, continue to shape its mission, ensuring that families in need have access to food and support.
CFBOC fulfills its mission through generous financial and food donations, more than 62,000 annual volunteer hours, and the power of prayer. What started as a small effort has grown into a thriving organization with a dedicated team of 21 staff members and hundreds of passionate volunteers.
More Than a Food Bank
In 2025, the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center continues to serve as a vital community resource, offering far more than food assistance. Through a diverse range of programs, CFBOC addresses food insecurity while providing critical support to individuals and families in need.
Food on the Move - Delivers fresh, nutritious food and non-perishable items to thousands of clients weekly.
School Pantry Program - Provides free food and personal care pantries in select Chesterfield County Public Schools, ensuring students have access to essential supplies without registration or proof of need.
Packing Summer Kids Food - Supports children when school is out, distributing easy-to-prepare meals.
Senior Food Program - Provides food and support at CFBOC’s headquarters, community partners, and government programs.
Food for Fur Babies - Offers pet food relief to limited-resource seniors enrolled in the Senior Food Program.
Emergency Food Program - Provides food and personal care items to individuals facing crises.
Community Kitchen Program - Supplies food to local organizations that prepare and serve hot meals to vulnerable populations, including the homeless, individuals living in motels, socially isolated seniors, and other low-income individuals.
Partners Program - Sustains local food pantries run by community partners by providing them with non-perishable food items.
Motel Outreach - Supports individuals and families living in motels, by delivering hot meals, personal care items, prayer, Narcan, and connections to additional resources and support services.
Community Outreach - Organizes various community service events, including clean-ups, maintenance projects, and pop-up events in at-risk neighborhoods, offering hands-on volunteer opportunities.
Homeless Outreach - Distributes easy-to-prepare food and personal care items through CFBOC’s headquarters, partner organizations, and mobile shower vans.
Client Advocate Program - Connects volunteers with individuals seeking assistance, whether through walk-ins, referrals from CFBOC programs, or third-party partner referrals. Client Advocates identify immediate and underlying needs, providing guidance and connecting clients to relevant resources. This program helps individuals access drug rehabilitation, employment opportunities, government services, mental health support, and more, ensuring they receive the advocacy and assistance needed to move forward.
Workforce Program - Designed to support clients in securing stable employment, this program provides job readiness assistance and connects individuals with employment opportunities through CFBOC’s third-party partnerships.
Through these programs, CFBOC continues its mission of fighting hunger and empowering lives, reinforcing its role as a pillar of support for the community.
Every “Can” Counts
Every “Can” Counts isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a reminder that we all CAN make a difference in ending hunger in Chesterfield. The Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center thrives because of the interconnected contributions of its supporters. Its strength comes from the generosity of donors providing financial support, the food shared by the community, and the time given by dedicated volunteers. Together, these elements form a powerful network that drives CFBOC’s mission to fight hunger and empower lives.
While celebrating its 15th year, CFBOC extends heartfelt gratitude to every individual
and partner who has contributed to its mission, especially the volunteers who are the
backbone of CFBOC. The success of the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center is a testament to the collective efforts of a compassionate community, whose unwavering support has fueled its growth and impact. Every act of kindness has made a difference — and together, even greater change CAN be possible in the next 15 years and beyond.