About Us
Who We Are
The Hopewell Food Pantry was organized in 1983 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit by a group of local churches. They wanted to provide emergency food to individuals and families who were in temporary crisis – waiting for Food Stamps to begin. Over the past 40 years, the HFP has expanded our mission to serve all Hopewell families in need of food.
Our Mission
Hopewell Food Pantry’s mission is to fight hunger in the City of Hopewell. Our hope is, along with the support of many partners, to positively impact families by providing food security for Hopewell residents. With an emphasis on seniors and the disabled, the pantry has created access to good, healthy food for those in need. With this sense of community and partnership, we hope to emulate our motto, "Neighbors Feeding Neighbors."
Key Personnel
J. Richard Commander
Chairman of the Board
Richard (Dick) Commander retired as a Chemical Engineer at Hercules after 30 years. He has a Masters of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from VA Tech class of 1965. He’s a long-time resident of Chesterfield County (Enon), and currently Chairman of the Board of the Hopewell Food Pantry for the past 10+ years. He served simultaneously as Executive Director until June 2023. Dick has extensive experience making presentations on budgeting, and currently speaking at Caritas Works Program every 6 weeks. He’s taught budgeting for Richmond Habitat for Humanity and does motivational/professionalism presentations for high school students in Hopewell and elsewhere. His main hobby is selling on eBay.
Donna Martin
Executive Director, The Clothing Place Manager
Donna Martin is the Vice Chairman of the Board of the Hopewell Food Pantry, and in July 2023, she became Executive Director. At various times since 2006, she has served as: Contract Buyer, Secretary of the Board, Distribution Crew Leader, Director of Operations, and Bookkeeper. Donna has a Bachelor of Liberal Studies from Regents College in Albany, NY, and a Master’s in Church Ministries from Buford Road Bible Institute in Chesterfield, VA. She wrote her Master’s Thesis on the Biblical importance the Church must play in taking a leadership role in feeding the poor. When she wrote her thesis, she was already active in supporting community food pantry work in Chesterfield. Donna served 20 years of military service in the US Air Force and Air National Guard as a Video Production/Documentation Technician and retired as a Master Sergeant.
Patti Allen
Secretary of the Board
Patti Allen is an active member of St James Catholic Church, and sings in the church choir. Patti serves as an Intake Services volunteer at the pantry, and a Thursday volunteer at The Clothing Place. She is ready to help at a minutes notice. Patti genuinely enjoys serving the Hopewell community, and those in need.
Jeannine Commander
Director of Intake Services
Jeannine Commander has been an integral part of the Hopewell Food Pantry since 2005. She originally served with the Wednesday Crew filling distribution bags, then served with the intake of clients at the front desk. She assisted in developing the client intake system we currently work with, and is gifted with the ability to remember each client. Jeannine is a graduate of Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY, with a degree in Spanish and Education. She’s an avid reader and loves to cook.
