Each year, Food City recognizes outstanding volunteerism among its dedicated team of associates through its Claude P. Varney Volunteer Recognition Program. The program is named in memory of Food City’s beloved former president and board vice-chairman of 47 years, Claude P. Varney, who was well-known for his tremendous compassion and humanitarian services.

The district winners, Sarah Fennell, Cassie Kiestler, and Heather Walkley, were recognized for their outstanding achievements, and a $250 contribution was made to their charity of choice.

Sarah Fennell, Front End Manager, was nominated for the Caude V. Varney award with the following accolade, including 17 years and 80 hours of service per year with TN Promise/TN Achieves. “Sarah should be considered for this award because she does so much in our community. She works a full-time job at the police department in Blaine, plus part-time here at Food City. All while volunteering at 14 organizations. Every July, she volunteers, as she has for 26 years, at the tomato festival, and she is there from sunrise to sunset, making sure it runs smoothly and checking on the vendors. She makes time to help everyone she can. She works with the 4-H program, another commitment of 36 years, to help the kids in Grainger County so they can learn more about the agriculture in the county and why farmers do what they do. She works with TN Promise so that kids can be prepared for the future and be the best that they can be. She helps and supports all the local businesses in the county. Sarah is one of a kind. She will go out of her way for anyone and do whatever she can to help.”

Cassie Kiestler, Cake Decorator in Knoxville, Tennessee, has multiple organizations benefiting from her willingness to serve: Bakeroos, Beaver Creek Kayak Club, and East TN Pit Bull Rescue. “Cassie has been very involved with many charitable events over the years. She contributes more voluntary time to help those in need than the average person working a full-time job and taking care of a family. Her selfless contributions to various charitable causes including children’s needs, animal rescue, and environmental conservation make her more than worthy to be recognized for her humanitarian contributions.”

Heather Walkley, Assistant Deli Manager in Loudon, Tennessee is recognized for her commitment to helping others as she volunteers at Cold Hands Warm Heart, Operation Christmas Shoebox and SVBC Youth Ministries. “Heather deserves the Claude P. Varney Humanitarian Award because she consistently puts people first and looks for ways to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Heather has a natural ability to recognize when someone is struggling and steps in without being asked, offering her time, guidance, and compassion. Her commitment to helping people grow and succeed truly reflects the spirit of humanitarian service.”

Two divisional winners will be selected from among the district winners. The division winners will receive a plaque and a $750 donation to charity. One overall winner will be selected to receive the prestigious Claude P. Varney Humanitarian Award and a $1,250 charitable contribution.

“Food City is committed to the communities we serve. Many of our associates volunteer their time and talents to assist charitable organizations throughout the region, and we’re proud to recognize their efforts,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.

The Wayne Scott Memorial Grower of the Year Award was created in 2007. Food City named the annual award that recognizes one local grower in honor of Unicoi County farmer Wayne Scott, one of the first to partner with the retail supermarket chain.

Joe Greene – Food City Vice President of Produce/Floral Operations, Melissa, James, and Deanna Hayes of Mountainaire Farms, with Steve Smith – Food City President/CEO

James Hayes of Mountainaire Farms in Mouth of Wilson, VA was named this year’s award recipient. Hayes learned the value of hard work at an early age, helping his grandparents with cattle farming and gardening. During high school, he gained valuable experience working for local farmers, which inspired him to pursue his own entrepreneurial journey. At the young age of 18, Hayes started his own Christmas tree farm. At age 20, he married his lovely wife of 37 years. Together, they welcomed three beautiful children into their lives. While building a family, he also maintained a full-time job for 23 years.

Today, Food City purchases over $5 million in locally grown produce annually from a number of local farms, including those in Grainger, Blount, Cocke, and Sullivan counties in Tennessee; Scott, Carroll, Grayson, and Washington counties in Virginia; Shelby County in Alabama; Cherokee County in North Carolina, and is the exclusive outlet for a number of them.

“We pride ourselves in selecting the best possible products for our customers,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. “Our local farms are known for producing some of the finest produce in the country. Buying local provides our customers with the freshest produce possible, while supporting our local economies. In many instances, our locally grown items arrive the same day they are picked. It simply doesn’t get any fresher than that”.

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