Montgomery County received achievement awards from both the National Association of Counties and the Virginia Association of Counties for Neighbors in Need Program.
Millstone Kitchen, in which the Neighbors In Need program is operated, is a unique amenity in Montgomery County. In 2012, Montgomery County partnered with local organizations to revitalize an older vacant school, Prices Fork Elementary. From that revitalization program, the former school is now a thriving community center comprised of The Prices Fork Apartments (Phase I and II), the Moon Hollow Brewery, The Millstone Kitchen, and El Ranchero.
In 2020, Millstone Kitchen was able to remain operational and have a positive impact on both those experiencing food insecurity and on local businesses. The idea started as a pilot program accepting donations and grew with partnerships from Montgomery County and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to access Community Development Block Grant funding. The program recently passed the 32,000 meal mark!
View a video about the program.
Pictured above are the Montgomery County Board members with Neighbors in Need and Virginia Association of County representatives.