House of Mercy marked a new chapter in its mission to fight food insecurity with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last month to celebrate the installation of a state-of-the-art walk-in freezer.
The upgrade significantly boosts the pantry’s capacity and sustainability, helping local neighbors access fresh, nutritious, frozen proteins and produce.
The event, held at House of Mercy on Flannery Court in Manassas Jan. 21, included a blessing of the new unit by Deacon Gerard Anthony from Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville. The addition comes at a crucial time, as the pantry continues to serve a growing number of families in need.
Attendees took part in a “Fill the Freezer” food drive, immediately putting the new freezer to work with donations of frozen meats, vegetables and fruits. While the freezer is now operational, House of Mercy leaders emphasized that this is just the beginning.
“The addition of a walk-in freezer is a significant step forward for our daily operations,” said Sophia Crooks, assistant executive director. “It fundamentally transforms what we can provide, allowing us to stock high-quality proteins such as meat and poultry alongside nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. By extending shelf life and reducing waste, we can now ensure more reliable access to the healthy, balanced meals every family deserves.”
