Deborah Sabo, senior vice president of marketing for Food Lion, and V.O. Dobbins, Jr. He is the volunteer leader of the Central Baptist church Food Ministry in Kingsport, and the 2023 recipient of the Lion Heart Volunteer Award from Food Lion
SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion Feeds recently honored a select group of food banks, volunteers, community leaders and associates at the eighth annual Food Lion Feeds Feedys Awards.
Among thisyear's winners, honored at a May 24 ceremony here, is a man from Kingsport: V.O. Dobbins Jr.
The event celebrates and recognizes individuals and partners who exemplify commitment and dedication to help nourish neighbors facing food insecurity. Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves.
“We at Food Lion Feeds envision a world where no one goes hungry, where families do not have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries and where everyone works together to nourish families and set them up for success,” said Kevin Durkee, manager of Food Lion Feeds. “Despite each individual and organization’s challenges, they persevere and embrace uncertainty to nourish our neighbors. As a result of their tireless work and leadership, we recognize and honor their exceptional partnership and compassionate efforts.”
This year's Lion Heart Volunteer Award went to the V.O. Dobbins Jr., a volunteer leader of the Central Baptist Church Food Ministry in Kingsport.
The program works with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, based in the former Sam's Club building off Exit 63 of Interstate 81 in Kingsport.
"This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding skills in coordinating and motivating groups of donors and volunteers for hunger-relief projects for the benefit of Food Lion Feeds and its partner food banks," a Food Lion news release said.
"A humble, servant leader of the Central Baptist Church Food Ministry, V.O. Dobbins Jr. has been a volunteer leader for more than 30 years. He served as the purchasing agent and food coordinator in his earlier years. Dobbins’ ability to lead, motivate, manage and inspire others allows the ministry to serve approximately 350 individuals every month through a mobile food distribution model he initiated during the pandemic.
A video about Dobbins' role in supporting hunger relief in his community is available here. Be sure to hit the "play" button.
