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
Donna Martin
Chairman of the Board (Interim), Executive Director
Donna Martin has been working for the pantry, in some capacity, since 2009. She has started as the first Contract Buyer, then has worked as Secretary of the Board, Distribution Crew Leader, Bookkeeper, The Clothing Place manager, and the Vice Chairman of the Board. 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. She has 7 children and 7 grandchildren. Donna loves to quilt.
Gregory Rolan
Director of Operations
Greg Rolan is a former Marine. During his civil service years, he worked on Fort Lee as a Medical Supply officer in charge of the warehouse. He started working as a Contract Buyer in 2018, then Director of Operations in 2024. Greg is the father of 7 children and 15 grandchildren. He loves to fish.
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.
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 formerly 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.
Fred & Carol Broughman
The Clothing Place Managers
