BUCKHANNON – A local grassroots outreach organization in Buckhannon has become a vital resource for many of the area’s most vulnerable residents.
Feed My Sheep Food Outreach, Inc., founded by Lisa George in 2013, began as a personal mission to provide for individuals and families facing food insecurity. Over the years, it has grown into a well-established network offering meals, clothing and essential services to those in need.
But as the organization continues to expand, so too does the need for a larger space to serve the community effectively. Currently, it’s located near the intersection of Brushy Fork and Stony Run Road at 2357 Brushy Fork Road.
“Our goal has always been to feed people – physically and spiritually,” George said. “I didn’t know that our pastor at our church had already tried to start an outreach years ago, but when God laid it on my heart, I approached him, and everything fell into place.”
With a $200 donation, Feed My Sheep Outreach started small, filling 20 bags with one dinner each for families to take home. The outreach has since grown tremendously.
“Now we’re serving 935 families a month and between 5,500 to 6,000 people with all of our programs,” George said.
In addition to meals, Feed My Sheep distributes clothing, personal hygiene items and blankets, especially during the colder months.
“It’s not just about food. People need warm clothes, a toothbrush, deodorant, or just something clean to wear,” George explained. “When the weather starts to change, we try to provide coats and blankets. For many, we’re the only place they can turn to for these things.”
The nonprofit organization has seen consistent growth, and while that’s a testament to its success, it has also presented new challenges. The organization’s leaders are now actively searching for a larger location – one that will allow volunteers to continue expanding services while also broadening their reach to more people in the community.
“We’ve been fortunate to have a place to serve, but we’re bursting at the seams,” George said, referencing the limited space where Feed My Sheep currently operates. “Right now, we’re cramped, and it makes it harder to do all the things we want to do for people.”
Feed My Sheep’s programs have already expanded to include regular Monday meals, the Hodgesville Backpack Program, senior food boxes, and even a free Christmas store for children, seniors and veterans. Feed My Sheep now partners with organizations like the Mountaineer Food Bank and Convoy of Hope to provide consistent food supplies.
“We also manage to put food in all the blessing boxes in Upshur County and offer around 8,000 pounds of produce weekly,” George said. “It’s incredible how much we’ve grown.”
She emphasized that the need for a bigger space is critical as the outreach continues to gain momentum.
“We’re not just feeding people a meal; we’re giving them hope, and that’s something you can’t put a price on, but to do that, we need room to breathe,” George said. “We need space where we can set up properly, where people can come in, sit down, and feel like they’re part of something – part of a family.”
For George, the future of Feed My Sheep is clear: to continue to serve as a beacon of hope and love for all those in need.
“The more we do, the more we see just how much still needs to be done,” she said. “We’re entirely volunteer-based, and we rely on donations from local businesses, churches and individuals. The community support has been amazing, but we always need more hands and more help.”
“We’re incredibly blessed to have so much community support, but we’re ready to move to the next level,” George added.
The outreach is hopeful that they will soon find a larger, more permanent home, one that will allow them to serve more people and provide additional services.
“I have faith that the right space will come along. Until then, we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done – helping one person at a time,” George said. “We’re here for everyone, no matter who they are or what their circumstances are. I just want people to know that we see them and we care about them. We’re not going anywhere.”
For more information about how to help or get help, visit Feed My Sheep’s website, follow them on Facebook or email fmsfo23@aol.com.
