Nourishment for Neighbors

A Community Initiative by The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham
September 15–17, 2025

What Is Nourishment for Neighbors?

Nourishment for Neighbors is a community-driven food security and wellness initiative funded by the MLK Day of Service Grant that connects neighbors who want to help with neighbors who need support. Volunteers purchase and deliver groceries (based on a provided list) to local venues, where recipients can pick them up. Each kit includes fresh produce donated by volunteers, healthy recipe ideas that use the groceries provided, and a resource packet created by local food pantries, programs, and organizations. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier Harrisonburg and Rockingham. Learn more and sign up to give or receive today!

We have an online version of our Resource Packet and Recipe List! Check it out:

Resource Packet

Recipe List

Grocery Kit List

What’s in a Grocery Kit?
A complete grocery kit includes:

• Lettuce, bell peppers, and tomatoes generously donated by Radical Roots Community Farm

• Additional fresh vegetables purchased by community donors

With these items combined, recipients will have everything they need to cook a variety of healthy, versatile meals such as pasta primavera, garden salad, veggie wraps, stir-fry, vegetable soup, oven-roasted veggies, quesadillas, and ratatouille. All recipes will be included in a booklet for recipients to use!

Updated Shopping List for Food Donors
When you sign up to provide groceries, please purchase the following items (we’ll combine your donation with produce from Radical Roots to make full kits):

• Onion – 1 medium

• Garlic – 1 bulb

• Carrots – 2 medium or 1 bag of baby carrots

• Zucchini or yellow squash – 1 medium

• Broccoli – 1 head

• Cucumber – 1 medium

• Eggplant – 1 medium

👉 You may purchase multiple sets of this grocery list if you are able — we can use as many sets as possible to complete our grocery kits.

Distribution of Grocery Kits

• Full Grocery Kits (with both Radical Roots donations + food donor items) will be distributed first come, first served.

• After we run out of full kits, we will continue to give out simplified Grocery Kits containing just the lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers provided by Radical Roots.

• All kits, whether full or simplified, include the recipe booklet and the Resource Packet.

Food Security & Wellness Resource Packet

Along with the fresh produce, we are sending recipient home with Food Security & Wellness Resource Packets created in coordination with food access and wellness organizations across Harrisonburg and Rockingham. This packet is filled with information on local food access programs and services and practical wellness tips for individuals and families.

Food Donor FAQ

Where do I deliver the groceries?
Groceries can be dropped off at the following locations and times:

• Asbury United Methodist: Sept. 15–17, 8am–9am

• Our Community Place: Sept. 15–17, 9am–10am

• Lacey Spring Food Pantry: Sept. 15 only, 11am–1pm

• Immanuel Mennonite: Sept. 16 only, 4pm–5pm

When you fill out the Food Donor Sign-Up Form, you’ll share your availability. Our team will contact you by email or phone to confirm your drop-off location and time.

When do I bring the groceries?
Please bring your groceries during one of the listed drop-off times. We’ll coordinate the exact time and place with you after you sign up.

Do the groceries need to be fresh?
Yes — please purchase fresh, whole vegetables (not pre-cut, pre-seasoned, or pre-packaged). Organic is welcome but not required.

Can I donate partial lists?
Yes. While complete sets are the most helpful for assembling full kits, we gratefully accept any of the listed items you’re able to provide.

Sign-Up Deadline
Food donors must sign up by Saturday, Sept. 13 at 12:00 PM (noon) so we can coordinate drop-offs.

Can I give money instead of shopping?
Yes. If you’d prefer to support the program financially, we’ll use your donation to purchase groceries and complete kits. Donate through the link below.

Monetary Donation

Recipient FAQ

Where do I pick up my kit?
Kits can be picked up at the following locations and times:

• Asbury United Methodist: Sept. 15–17, 9am–3pm

• Our Community Place: Sept. 15–17, 10am–2pm

• Lacey Spring Food Pantry: Sept. 15 only, 1pm–5:30pm

• Immanuel Mennonite: Sept. 16 only, 5pm–7pm

When you fill out the Recipient Sign-Up Form, you’ll provide your availability. Our team will contact you by email or phone to confirm your pickup location and time.

Do I need to bring proof of anything to receive a kit?
No — there are no eligibility requirements for these particular kits.

How many kits can I receive?
Each recipient is limited to one kit.

What if full kits run out?
Full kits with the complete grocery list are distributed first come, first served. Once they run out, simplified kits (with lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers donated by Radical Roots Farm) will be available. Every kit — full or simplified — comes with the Recipe Booklet and Resource Packet.

Sign-Up Deadline
Recipients must sign up by Saturday, Sept. 13 at 12:00 PM (noon) so we can coordinate pickups.

Sign-Up Today!

Become a Part of Nourishment for Neighbors!

Recipient Sign-Up

Sign up to receive a grocery kit with fresh produce, healthy recipes, and community resources.

Food Donor Sign-Up

Sign up to be a food donor and help your neighbors by providing fresh groceries with care.

📞 Contact & Questions

For more information or to get involved, contact:
Hiesun Ho
Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator
📧 engagement@hrarc.org
📞 (540) 437-9214