Sherrie Taylor — Feeding Dreams

Sherrie Taylor moved to West Virginia because she felt a calling to farm. She and her husband started Thankful Valley Farms and Hatchery. Four years ago they began running pop-up markets and now serve Kanawha, Putnam Mason Cabell, and Fayette counties. She accepts SNAP and Senior vouchers to assist with healthy eating.

Along with SNAP, Sherrie accepts SNAP Stretch at her stands. SNAP Stretch is a program that matches your SNAP/EBT benefits so that you can buy more produce. For each dollar, you spend you get another dollar to spend. Individuals who bring in children are given kid coupons so they can buy even more produce.

“SNAP stretch was designed as a two-way win, supporting local farmers and to get people to stretch there SNAP by eating local healthy foods. Taking that money to support farmers and farmers markets .”

Seeing the great need for healthy food and in some places, any food, Sherrie and her husband decided to start their own non-profit. This allows them to get grants so they can provide even more food at each stand, as well as basic goods in the food desert areas.

“I can’t alone feed the hungry people I see, but I also know we have to give those in need a helping hand. They are proud and do not like handouts. But I truly believe we are losing a battle for hunger in this state. I have the notes, the eyes of the 2000 people we saw this year weekly.”