Five Loaves and Two Fishes food bank is located in Kimball, W.Va., and serves more than 700 households a month. Every month, Bob and Linda McKinney distribute 19,000 to 36,000 pounds of product across the six branches. The faith-based food bank also serves as a meeting place for community outreach, healthy living and exercise classes.
Riverview v. Mount View
Battle of the Views
Bradshaw, W.Va.
Midwest, central Appalachia and mid-Atlantic states
June 29, 2012
765 homes served in a month
$21,967 median household income
“There’s something about a garden and a table. That’s where relationships are built.”Linda McKinney
We felt the food bank was a way toreach out to the community
Linda McKinney
My name is Linda Patsey McKinney, and I was born in Welch, where I have remained here my entire life. I am an only child, married to an only child, Bob. We have three children - Jason, Joel and Jina - and two grandchildren. McDowell County has provided a very stable life for us through our 32 years of marriage. Operating Five Loaves and Two Fishes Food Bank during the past four years has truly been a rewarding part of our lives. Through prayers, sweat and tears, we are learning that no matter what limitations or circumstances we are up against, our faith enables us and equips us to meet the needs of the people we serve.
Roadside Community Garden
During the Summer of 2013, the food bank’s grassy lot will be transformed into the Roadside Community Garden. Community volunteers will complete the work in several phases and aim to educate and involve both youth and seniors in the process. The garden initiative is supported by West Virginia State University and the Southern Conservation Soil District.
nationwide
mcdowell county
west virginia state
poor or fair health
physical inactivity
“We just need a facility that’s safe and works properly and I think we could do just as much benefit for the people.”Mary Lewis
We absolutely needa fitness center
Mary Lewis
I'm Mary Marino Lewis, and I was born at Stevens Clinic Hospital in Welch on June 2, 1954. I married Lenny, my high school sweetheart, and we were happy to have the opportunity to raise our four kids where both of our families were established and owned businesses. I was licensed in real estate sales but settled into a full-time mommy position after my family arrived. I returned to work at Welch City Hall for several years after my children were grown. I pursued my lifelong love of fitness by taking a part-time job at Tug River Fitness Center and now teach Zumba classes in McDowell County and work at Brickhouse Cardio Club in Bluefield, Virginia.
10%
35%
22%
21%
44%
33%
Stingrays Swim Meet
Welch, West Virginia
Video shot by Robbie Goodson, a swimmer for the Welch Stingrays.
“We have a lot of single parent families and grandparents raising kids; lots of young people with children.”Susan Hardy
0%
McDowell County
0%
State of West Virginia
Percent Lacking
Basic Prose Literacy Skills
“One of our biggest issues in this county is attendance. I had kids that missed 50 and 60 days of school.”Susan Hardy
A day of learning atLiteracy Camp
“Super Why” Summer Literacy Camp
Big Creek People In Action and West Virginia Public Broadcasting co-sponsor a four-week summer literacy camp focused on reading fundamentals. The camp sparks learning through interactive story adventures, art, music and games developed around the PBS KIDS program, SUPER WHY. In 2012, the 45 campers showed about 95 percent improvement in literacy because of a multimedia approach.
Improving Housing Conditions
Sixty-seven percent of the houses in McDowell County were built before 1940, and half are rated below normal quality levels. Last year, BCPIA and 342 volunteers from across the nation completed 67 work projects to improve the quality of 41 homes.
Providing Access to Technology
BCPIA’s computer lab offers free access to the Internet and many specialized programs and learning activities.
Improving Health
The Healthy Lifestyles Program challenges participants to take better care of their bodies through proper diet and exercise, smoking cessation and health checkups. The afterschool program provides 30 minutes of exercise for youth, and residents have access to workshops about diabetes management, prenatal and early childhood care and drug abuse awareness.
Big Creek People in Action
Located in Caretta, W.Va., Big Creek People in Action (BCPIA) was formed and is staffed by the people of McDowell County. The main mission is to better the future for the people of the community. Programs and services fit the needs of residents through service learning and youth leadership activities, volunteer opportunities and education and literacy events.
“Young people are our future and we have to give them every opportunity to grow into the 21st century.”Marsha Timpson
It was a rare thing to know people who didn’t work, or at least try
Marsha Timpson
My name is Marsha Timpson, and I am from Warrior Mines, West Virginia. I came to Big Creek People in Action as an Americorps member in 1998, and now I serve as its learning coordinator and co-executive director. The organization is all about giving people opportunities and being there for people and this community. I love this community and these mountains. I live in the house I grew up in. From time to time I have to get a little beach trip in but I honestly think I’ll die in these mountains.
- Back to Start
- For the Land
The story of McDowell County, West Virginia is the story of America.
Of boom
and bust economies. Of small towns facing changes beyond their control.
And of challenges
and triumphs of every size.
Explore this corner of America through the stories of over 30 residents who live here today.
Hollow is the story of their home.
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