Wonnease Rhone, founder of the mobile food pantry 5 Loaves, has been recognized for her ongoing service to the community. Each year, Chesterfield’s Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame honors three seniors for their commitment to helping others, and this year Rhone is among them.
Rhone serves between 500 and 700 people each month through her organization. She said in a recent interview, “I know what it’s like to be hungry. You can’t do this without compassion.”
She started 5 Loaves in 2019 by making hot soup and sandwiches for homeless individuals in her own kitchen. When the pandemic began, she visited local food banks but saw a need for more nutritious options: “They had desserts, high sugar and salt options, very little fresh produce …That’s when I figured it out, and the rest is history.”
Her first partnership was with Woodside Farms, which provided surplus produce. This collaboration helped address both food insecurity and food waste. Since then, Rhone has worked with many farms and other organizations to distribute fresh foods throughout the area.
“Belmont United Methodist, for example, might have an abundance of produce,” she explained. “They’ll call me, and I’ll go pick it up. If I have an abundance of produce, I’ll call and give it to them.”
Rhone started her efforts using a 2007 Toyota before receiving a donated van about a year ago: “About a year ago, someone donated us a van. That was the turning point.” With this new resource, she was able to reach even more people with healthier food choices.
“When someone calls you and tells you that they don’t have any food, you try to get them some food,” Rhone said. “I’m in the fight against hunger for the long run.”
In addition to delivering meals—often setting up tables at senior communities—Rhone also offers cooking classes so seniors can learn how to prepare fresh produce themselves.
“My organization does so much more than deliver food,” she said. 5 Loaves provides information on housing resources as well as support with job applications and professional wardrobe access. Mock interviews are also available for those seeking employment assistance.
“A lot of senior citizens can’t work anymore,” Rhone noted. “But we can help you.”
Outside her volunteer work, Rhone enjoys line dancing as part of the “Dancing Grannies” group—a hobby she shares with many seniors because it promotes both physical activity and social engagement.
She encourages others not to give up on their aspirations: “Never give up on your dream, no matter how hard it gets,” Rhone said.
