Each year, Food City recognizes outstanding volunteerism among their dedicated team of associates through the Claude P. Varney Volunteer Recognition Program.  

“As a company, we’re committed to giving back to the communities we serve, while providing a work environment that enables our associates to grow both personally and professionally as successful members of our team,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. “Many of our associates volunteer their time and talents in service of charitable organizations throughout the region and we’re proud to recognize their efforts.” 

The program is named in memory of Food City’s beloved former president and board vice-chairman of 47 years, Claude P. Varney, who was well-known for his tremendous compassion and humanitarian services. An independent panel of judges review associate nominations. Winners are selected based upon outstanding achievements in the areas of health, education, environment, cultural arts, recreational, heritage/history and public service. One winner is selected from each Food City store. The field is then narrowed to thirteen district winners, followed by two divisional winners, and the overall recipient of the Claude P. Varney Humanitarian Award. 

Linda Morrow of Athens, TN was selected as this year’s Claude P. Varney Humanitarian Award recipient. She serves as the Produce Fresh Pak Coordinator for the Food City in Athens, TN and assists numerous organizations throughout her community. Morrow is a 20-year volunteer with the United Way of McMinn County, where she has served on the President’s Council, Board of Directors, Financial Committee, assisted with the Day of Caring Event, painting, landscaping, organizing, pressure washing, etc. for community organizations, and she spearheaded numerous employer campaigns which resulted in 100% employee participation. Morrow has dedicated well over a thousand hours annually assisting the Starr Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, visiting, and assisting residents, helping in the Oncology Center registering and directing patients, and working in the gift shop. During COVID, Morrow also worked in the Human Resources Department. The Auxiliary provides a tremendous amount of support to the facility. Using the proceeds from their gift shop sales, the Auxiliary purchased an X-ray machine, a van to transport residents to appointments/events, and provides monthly support for the welfare of the residents. During Morrow’s tenure as decorating committee chairperson, the Auxiliary redecorated the Oncology Center, Chapel, ICU waiting room and father’s waiting room. She has assisted with Coordinated Charities’ food drive for needy residents, worked with Athens City Schools serving lunch, making copies, reading with children needing extra support, proctoring standardized testing, and assisting with extracurricular activities such as the Cinderella Ball. Morrow volunteered at Terra Bella (formerly Athens Place Assisted Living) playing games, singing, visiting, and helping residents during mealtimes and preparing snacks, meals, and other treats for the staff. She also assists with Athens Optimist Club’s Friendly Fellows Club Christmas food basket assembly and participates in a number of area walk/race events, including the Athens Lions Club’s annual 5K, where she has placed for the past 10 years and the Covenant Hospital Marathon in Knoxville, where she also placed. 

“I am honored to be an employee of the Athens Food City. Thank you so much for this award. I am humbled and although I do not feel worthy, I always want to make a difference if I can. I have been a resident of this area my entire life and I want to continue to give back,” says Morrow. 

Morrow will be recognized for her outstanding achievements and Food City is making a $1,250 contribution to the charity of her choice. 

“We’re extremely proud of the difference our associates make in their community by devoting their time and talents in the service of others,” said Smith.

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 154 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama.