Chew On This
On Thursday evenings along Perrymont Avenue in Lynchburg, something powerful happens. When the doors open at Destiny Christian Fellowship Food Pantry, guests step into a space of more than “just” charity. They step into a space of welcome.
There are no raised eyebrows, no judgments, no barriers.
Each person is greeted with the dignity and respect they deserve.
“I don’t want anyone to think they are unworthy or not deserving of this food,” said Jakia Harvey, who manages the food pantry. “Everyone deserves to be full.”
A pantry built on faith
The Destiny Christian Fellowship Food Pantry is a church initiative, guided by faith and a strong sense of purpose. Open every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., it has been serving the Lynchburg community since early 2025 and has quickly become a vital resource for neighbors living with food insecurity.
There are no exceptions to who is welcome.
“We are led by God to do this work, and if there’s anyone who needs help, we’re going to provide whatever we can,” Jakia said.
Most often, that means food. But it can also include household supplies and personal hygiene items.
A shopping experience rooted in dignity
When guests arrive, they’re invited to shop.
“You come in, and you get a shopping cart and shop, like you’d go to Walmart, Target, or Kroger,” Jakia explained. “From there, we help you bag it up, and you go to your car, and you have what you need.”
That choice matters because it gives guests control, autonomy, and a sense of normalcy—things that can be hard to find during difficult times.
By the Numbers
Destiny Christian Fellowship food pantry first opened its doors in March of 2025. Since that time:
7,808: The total number of guests served
600: The average number of guest visits per month
980: The highest number of guest visits in a month (October 2025)
190,000: The total number of pounds of food distributed in the past 12 months
Serving a wide range of guests
On any given Thursday, Jakia and her volunteers see a wide range of guests.
Some are unhoused. Others are working families trying to stretch limited budgets. The evening hours were set intentionally to ensure people who work during the day have time to get to the pantry for groceries.
Sometimes, children walk in and quietly ask for food. Sometimes they ask for themselves, but often they ask for parents who may feel hesitant or ashamed.
Those moments stay with Jakia.
“We see so many different situations,” she said. “And we try to meet everyone with respect, no matter what brings them through our doors.”
That respect is a foundational principle at Destiny Christian Fellowship Food Pantry.
Volunteers are guided by faith, compassion, and the belief that people should not have to justify needing help.
“I don’t want anyone to think they are unworthy or not deserving of this food. Everyone deserves to be full.”
Growing impact through strong partnership with the Food Bank
On average, the pantry serves about 100 people every Thursday, Jakia said. The need is great in her community.
“Sometimes the line of guests goes around the block,” the pantry manager said.
Destiny Christian Fellowship Food Pantry is open to everyone who needs a helping hand, not just Lynchburg residents. The pantry is also a member of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank network.
“We love the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank,” Jakia explained. “They’ve helped us with so much, especially equipment like coolers and freezers. We couldn’t do this work without them.”
An open invitation
Every Thursday evening, the invitation remains the same: Come as you are.
Whether someone is facing a temporary setback or a long-term struggle, Destiny Christian Fellowship Food Pantry stands ready to meet them with open arms and full carts.
“We want people who are in need to know they are not alone.”
For more information about Destiny Christian Fellowship Food Pantry, visit their Facebook page.
Addressing food insecurity means more than providing meals—it’s about meeting people with dignity, respect, and care. At the Food Bank, we honor the dedication of Jakia and the volunteers at Destiny Christian Fellowship in helping their neighbors who are food insecure and providing such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We are proud to call you our partners. From all of us at the Food Bank, thank you!
