Meeting our neighbors wherever they are
Discover the story, heart, and vision of Wanda Roberts, the founder dedicated to nourishing minds, bodies, and communities across Virginia without geographic boundaries.
A moment that sparked a movement
Wanda Roberts is the Founder and Chief Financial Officer of the Isle of Wight Community Food Pantry. As a multi-published children's book author and passionate community advocate, Wanda has devoted her life to caring for the next generation.
Her vision took root after witnessing a heartbreaking moment: a mother and three children living out of a car. That stark encounter revealed the unseen struggles many families face and ignited Wanda's lifelong commitment to bring neighbors back into warmth, security, and hope.
Breaking boundaries with mobile care
Wanda firmly believes that genuine community support knows no borders. By stripping away the physical walls of a traditional pantry, she established a fully mobile outreach initiative. This responsive lifeline meets underserved families directly in their neighborhoods.
Operating with deep compassion and neighboring solidarity, our mobile outreach partners with local farms, businesses, and caring volunteers to nurture an ecosystem where everyone receives respect, dignity, and wholesome food.
Milestones rooted in shared purpose
What began as a quiet, personal promise to local families quickly evolved into a powerful network of care. In October 2025, the pantry deepened its roots by officially becoming a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, creating a permanent sanctuary for community generosity.
By April 2026, Wanda's guiding principle of 'collaboration over competition' flourished through a strategic partnership with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, substantially expanding our reach and capacity to nourish families.
"Whether you have come looking for shelter from a passing storm, or searching for a place to plant your roots and help others grow, please know this: you belong here. There is no shame in needing a helping hand, and no greater joy than offering one."
Wanda Roberts, Founder & CFO
Community spotlight: Boo the therapy cockatoo
Feeding the body is only half the battle-we must also nourish our mind. We are proud to partner with Boo, a 42-year old Pet Therapy Cockatoo, as :a unique community resource to bring decades of initiative comfort, laughter, and healing to our neighbors:
*Seniors & Nursing Homes: Boo combats isolation and dementia, often sparking deep connection and nostalgia as a peer-aged companion to older adults.
*Autism & Neurodiversity: Boo offers a calm, judgement-free space to help individuals practice emotional grounding and co-regulation.
*Cancer Patients: Boo provides a joyful, life affirming distraction from the stress and anxiety of intense medical treatments.
