Chew On This
Inside a small building on North Winchester Avenue in Waynesboro, something special is happening. A movement built on food, hope, dignity, and, most of all, empowerment. At the center of it are Adrienne and A.J. Young. The married couple created the Lifeworks Project in 2021 to help uplift people and families in real, lasting ways.
“Everyone deserves the chance to thrive,” Adrienne said. “We do this because we love this community so much.”
A mission of solidarity
River City Bread Basket, a guest-choice food pantry that opened in 2023, is at the heart of The Lifeworks Project.
“The food we offer is important, and a big part of what we do,” Adrienne said. “For the simple reason that everyone should have enough to eat. But it’s also the key that opens the door for us to have deeper conversations about people’s lives,” she said.
“We are honored that people share their life stories with us, but we also want them to have what they need to better their lives. We feel that food is freedom. We want to be the accomplices on their journey forward. We don’t offer charity, but solidarity.”
The pantry serves about 500 families each month. People come for food and connection. Since opening the pantry, Adrienne and A.J. have supported about 1,400 local families.
Because of its high level of food insecurity, Waynesboro is a priority community for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
Programs that change lives
Along with food access, Adrienne and A.J. offer programs through the Lifeworks Project that address real-life barriers. These services have helped hundreds of their neighbors in Waynesboro and nearby areas.
- Micro-grants help cover costs like car repairs, work uniforms, sturdy boots, and apartment application fees. Fully funded by donors, the program has helped 259 locals to date with critical purchases.
- Food delivery ensures that guests in rural areas without transportation can still get the food they need.
- Their annual Job Fest connects job seekers with local employers. Last year, 25 employers met with about 80 attendees. The fourth annual job event is being planned.
- The Hooptie Hospital Car Care Clinic teaches basic vehicle maintenance, empowering participants to take control of their transportation needs and issues.
- Through a partnership with The Arrow Project, healthcare professionals provide mental health services and support onsite. This is an essential but often overlooked part of well-being.
“Everything we do is about empowering people,” A.J. said. “What we do isn’t called a handout—it’s called a hand up.”
Creating a space of dignity
Adrienne knows firsthand what it’s like to need help.
“I have been the recipient of charitable food assistance three times in my life,” she shared. “I understand that people can feel shame. It’s possible that we meet someone on the worst day of their life when they come here for the first time. I fully understand. But there’s no need to feel shame, because it is OK to ask for help.”
That’s why River City Bread Basket is more than just shelves and boxes, Adrienne said.
“We make sure our space is bright and welcoming,” she said. “It is filled with good people and smiling faces.”
This intentionally welcoming atmosphere helps guests to feel seen, respected, and valued. It’s a place where community is not just a word, it’s a lived experience.
We are not extraordinary people. Anyone can start a food pantry. What really helps, though, is our passion. Our day jobs help pay the bills, but this is where our hearts are, every day.
Ordinary people, extraordinary impact
Even with all they do and the impact they have on their community, Adrienne and A.J. remain humble.
Their story shows what’s possible when compassion meets action. They’ve built a model that provides food and other critical support to help people create better futures.
“We really believe in the power of community,” Adrienne said. “Together, we are stronger. And even though we are experiencing difficult times right now, I have to believe that the power of community will help us weather the storm.”
The Youngs show Waynesboro what it means to serve with heart. And in doing so, they’re proving that when we lift each other up, we all rise.
“And through it all,” Adrienne joked, “We manage to stay married, too.”
Looking to expand
Not long ago, the building that houses the Lifeworks Project and the River City Bread Basket was big enough to be both a food pantry and community center. Because of increased demand for food assistance, those days are long gone.
“That’s where we would have community space,” Adrienne said, pointing to a space in the back of the building. “Now it’s storage, mostly for food. We really need more space,” she said.
The Lifeworks Project recently kicked off a fundraising campaign to expand their building. They want to give shoppers more space and a better experience, and to make room for other services.
“Right now, we have to look elsewhere for all the things we do,” said A.J. “It would be great if we have a building that is big enough to house all that we offer.”
Addressing food insecurity means more than providing meals—it’s about meeting people with dignity, respect, and care. At the Food Bank, we honor Adrienne and AJ’s community-centered mission, their ability to bring hope in challenging times, and their work to empower opportunity wherever they go. From all of us at the Food Bank, thank you!
