The Health Wagon and Dickenson County Community Partners to Provide Free Thanksgiving Meals to 500 F

Clintwood, VA – The Health Wagon, in partnership with Dickenson County and numerous local businesses, schools, civic organizations, and community supporters, will host a Free Thanksgiving Food Giveaway on Thursday, November 19, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM at the Dickenson Center for Education and Research, located at 818 Happy Valley Drive in Clintwood, Virginia. This annual community outreach initiative will provide Thanksgiving meals to 500 households, helping families throughout Southwest Virginia celebrate the holiday without the added financial burden of purchasing a traditional holiday dinner. Each participating household will receive a box of Thanksgiving side dishes and a grocery voucher to select either a turkey or ham, made possible through partnerships with Food City, IGA, and Feeding Southwest Virginia. Feeding Southwest Virginia will contribute an additional 1,000 food boxes, representing approximately $30,000 in food assistance, including 500 Healthy Choice food boxes and 500 Kids 5-Day Food Boxes containing nutritious pantry staples such as canned vegetables, chicken, pasta, beans, fruit, and applesauce. Recipe cards will also be included to help families prepare affordable, nutritious meals beyond Thanksgiving Day. Food insecurity remains a significant concern throughout the region. According to the Health Wagon's 2025 food insecurity survey, 81.4% of respondents reported sometimes or often worrying about running out of food before having enough money to purchase more. Dr. Teresa Tyson DNP, President and CEO of the Health Wagon, emphasized that these findings demonstrate the continued need for community food assistance, particularly during the holiday season when household expenses often increase. Dickenson County Administrator Larry Barton praised the collaborative efforts of local organizations, volunteers, and businesses, noting that partnerships like this demonstrate the generosity and compassion of the community. Dr. Paula Hill-Collins DNP, Vice President and Clinical Director of the Health Wagon, emphasized that the Thanksgiving giveaway reflects the organization's commitment to serving families with dignity, compassion, and faith. “At the Health Wagon, we believe that no family should face hunger alone, and that faith is most powerful when it is put into action,” she said. Gina Crumbliss, President and CEO of Feeding Southwest Virginia, highlighted the organizations' shared commitment to providing nourishing food and supporting the well-being of Southwest Virginia families. Dickenson County Circuit Court Clerk Josh Evans also expressed appreciation for the many donors and volunteers who make the event possible each year. The Health Wagon extends sincere gratitude to Food City, IGA, Feeding Southwest Virginia, the Dickenson County Board of Supervisors, Communities in Schools, Beta Club, Ridgeview Nursing Program, Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, and additional community supporters. Families requiring special accommodations or experiencing extreme circumstances must preregister by contacting Jo Ella Dales at 276-207-2828. Additional information about the event and the Health Wagon's ongoing community outreach efforts is available at www.thehealthwagon.org or by calling 276-328-8850.