Love in Action: Veronica at Project Host

Veronica’s journey to Project Host is one shaped by perseverance, family, and a deep commitment to serving others. After overcoming significant personal challenges and discovering Project Host through her son’s experience in the culinary program, she found her calling in outreach—meeting people where they are and offering food, dignity, and care. Each week, Veronica helps distribute hundreds of meals to neighbors experiencing food insecurity, often during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Her perspective, grounded in lived experience and compassion, reflects the very heart of Project Host’s mission.

Tell me about yourself, what is the most unique thing you've learned or accomplished?

One thing that I accomplished that I consider a great feat is after becoming a teen parent at the age of seventeen, I graduated with my class while working a full-time, second-shift job.

How were you introduced to Project Host?

I think it was my son who initially told me about Project Host. He went through the Culinary Class. I initially wanted a food truck, so I signed up for the culinary class and I got to work on the Host Mobile occasionally.

Growing up in Greenville, how have you seen the need in our community change or evolve regarding food insecurity?

Food insecurity has changed significantly. I can remember when we didn't have lunch money in elementary school and then came free and reduced lunch, but we always had something to eat at home. It may have been pan-fried potatoes during the summer when school was out and our mom was at work. 

I was a mentor for an after school program and our program was fortunate enough to get food for our students from the Cooking for Kids program. Those kids were asking for the leftovers to take home for some of their other family members to have something to eat. So, we started bringing to-go plates so that the food would be packaged for transport.

In your words, why is it important to celebrate Black History Month? What does it mean to you?

I think that it's important to celebrate Black History Month because this is an opportunity for the spotlight to be put on the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans to our society.

What figure in Black History do you look up to most and why?

I look up to our first African-American president and his family because they showed compassion for the people that they served.

What's one small moment that reminded you why this work matters?

A few weeks ago I had a new family that came. They told me that they had recently lost their home and that they were new to being homeless and now living in their car in the same parking lot as another lady who usually comes to get the lunches. She told them where to come to get some lunch.

How has working with Project Host changed the way you see the community?

Working with Project Host has changed my view. I see the community as my family suffering from food insecurity among other things and we at Project Host are providing a meal that they wouldn't otherwise have and I bring them other needs (clothing, etc.).

What's something that surprised you the most your first day?

One thing that surprised me was how much I enjoyed handing someone a bag lunch and how grateful they were to receive it.

Do you have any particularly unexpected /funny stories from a day you were handing out meals?

Right before Christmas, I decided to take everyone something for Christmas and my gifts were gender specific and I had them separated. This one individual started digging in the bag and grabbing multiple items. I grabbed the bags and told her she needed to let me hand them to her. She went on a cursing rant and told me that I was prejudiced. I did not respond to her rant. She was given her meals and she left, only to return in about five minutes with tears streaming down her face. She said that the Lord had whipped her butt and she came back to apologize.

What are the biggest ways the community can help the people you serve? (ex. Donations ideas, etc.)

 One of the biggest ways that I think the community can help the people that I serve is to help those who are unhoused to find housing. In the meantime I think that we need a mobile cleaning station for the homeless(a rig with showers, washer/dryer for laundry). 

I am happy that I get to serve with Project Host as they serve the community with love through the bellies with good food.