City Council approves LifeWorks food pantry permit and reappoints Greg Hitchin to partnership board

The Waynesboro City Council made significant strides in supporting local community needs during its meeting on June 23, 2025, particularly with the approval of a conditional use permit for LifeWorks, a project aimed at establishing a food pantry at 505 North Winchester. This decision comes in response to a surge of public interest, with council members noting an unprecedented number of emails and calls from residents advocating for the initiative.

Council members expressed strong support for the food pantry, emphasizing its vital role in addressing food insecurity in the community. The ordinance was passed unanimously, with a stipulation that the permit is non-transferable, ensuring that the service remains directly tied to LifeWorks. This move is seen as a crucial step in filling a significant gap in local food resources, reflecting the council's commitment to enhancing community welfare.

In addition to the food pantry discussion, the council also reappointed Greg Hitchin as the Director of Economic Development and Tourism to the board of directors for the Shenandoah Partnership. This three-year term will allow Hitchin to continue representing the city in regional economic development efforts, which are essential for coordinating with state agencies and promoting growth across the area.

The meeting concluded with no citizen comments, indicating a focused agenda that prioritized key community issues. As the council moves forward, the approval of the food pantry and the reappointment of Hitchin are expected to have lasting positive impacts on Waynesboro's residents, reinforcing the city’s dedication to addressing both immediate and long-term community needs.