Rowan County approves one‑year $1 lease for veterans‑only food bank operated by Soldiers' Angels

Rowan County commissioners on Sept. 29 approved a one‑year lease for Soldiers' Angels to operate a veterans‑only food bank at the county community center. County staff said the nonprofit will use space already occupied part‑time by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and will schedule visits by appointment so services do not conflict with VA counseling held on Thursdays.

Eli (county staff) told the board Soldiers' Angels is a nonprofit based in Texas that will install shelving and commercial refrigerators and freezers in the community‑center space and will provide food and other items to veterans by appointment. "They'll have food and other fixtures in there 24/7, but they won't have access to it on Thursdays just to not conflict with the VA's lease," Eli said. He added the group had secured a $100,000 grant from the Charlotte Hornets to help get the food bank running and faced a tight deadline to begin operations.

Mike (commissioner or county official) said county staff had met with the nonprofit and VA staff and characterized Soldiers' Angels as "a very reputable nonprofit." County staff described the distribution as likely to operate one to two days a week depending on VA referrals; each appointment slot was described as brief (about 15 minutes). The board approved the lease by voice vote.

The approved lease page in the meeting record indicates a one‑year term and a nominal rent of $1 per year; the board vote approved the agreement and directed staff to proceed with the executed lease. Commissioners and staff praised local volunteers and staff who helped arrange the space and noted the food bank's proximity to VA services as advantageous for veterans who will be referred to the program.

Staff and commissioners said the program will operate through coordination with the VA and will return to the board if lease terms or operating arrangements require amendment.