| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3/2/2026 |
| Media Contact: Sarah Kott, PIO, sarah.kott@vdh.virginia.gov |
Regional Partners Unite to Produce 1,300 Quarts of Venison Soup for Local Families
FARMVILLE, Va.- A strong spirit of teamwork was on display this week at the Prince Edward County Cannery. Community partners came together to prepare and can 1,300 quarts of venison soup for families who are food insecure.
The Piedmont Health Districts Population Health Team led the event, and it included Virginia Hunters for the Hungry, Piedmont Medical Reserve Corp, FACES Food Pantry, Feed More, New Life Church, Prince Edward County, and Prince Edward County Public Schools. Together, they turned donated venison into a hearty, shelf‑stable soup that will soon help people across the region.
The team also welcomed Virginia’s State Health Commissioner, Cameron Webb, M.D., J.D. He didn’t just stop by—he joined the canning process, showing his support for hands‑on community work.
“This event shows what can happen when public health, local government, nonprofits, and volunteers work side by side,” said Quincy Handy, Piedmont Population Health Community Engagement Specialist. “It represents the best of what our region can accomplish together.”
The success of the venison soup project shows the strength of these partnerships and the value of community-driven work. This project was made possible through the district’s current American Rescue Plan Act funding, which has supported our ability to build capacity and engage in programs that directly benefit residents in our district. At the same time, projects like this highlight how essential long-term, sustainable funding is for maintaining these efforts in our community. Over the last 11 months the Population Health Team has delivered 378 healthy food boxes through its work with Feed More, bringing shelf-stable foods to families facing food insecurity.
“With steady funding, we can continue growing these partnerships and better support families across the region,” said Amy Beatson, Piedmont Population Health Grant Coordinator. “Community health improves fastest when we have strong partners and reliable resources.”
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