NORFOLK, Va. - A Norfolk man took action when he saw the only grocery store in his neighborhood closing, creating a food desert.
Last Saturday, Lavonne Pledger organized a free food distribution truck in the St. Paul's area of Norfolk, where many people walk to get their groceries.
He met with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore and other organizations to gather up groceries and supplies to hand out to anyone who needed them.
News 3 anchor Beverly Kidd surprised Lavonne with a Zoom call to let him know he was selected for a News 3 People Taking Action award.
We told Lavonne that he won the award and that our community partner, Southern Bank, is giving him a $300 Visa gift card.
“I don’t think I’ve ever won anything, like ever - not even randomly! Let alone an award I had to work for! That’s so cool," he said.
Lavonne tells us he will be distributing food and supplies every Saturday in the parking lot where the former Save A Lot store was located on Church Street until a new grocery option comes to the area.
To nominate someone for a People Taking Action Award, email us at takingaction@wtkr.com.
