WHEREAS, the Ampersand Pantry Project, a nonprofit food pantry in Loudoun County, has provided tens of thousands of free meals to the community since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the Ampersand Pantry Project was founded in February 2020 at 650 Edwards Ferry Road in Leesburg; it was initially intended to serve as a community donation box where people could both pick up and leave food, diapers, hygienic products, and other important staples; and

WHEREAS, shortly after its founding, the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic realigned the organization's mission; since April 16, 2020, the organization has provided free lunches and diapers to those in need, an effort that simultaneously combats hunger and supports local restaurants and other small businesses; and

WHEREAS, operating out of the drive through window of a former Tastee Freeze building, the Ampersand Pantry Project adheres to social distancing guidelines while serving over 350 lunches a day, seven days a week; and

WHEREAS, several local restaurants and businesses, including Deli South and Merone's Catering, have offered to provide thousands of meals at reduced rates, enabling the Ampersand Pantry Project to place larger orders and serve more; and

WHEREAS, the Ampersand Pantry Project has already raised over $115,000 and served more than 36,000 meals, providing an invaluable lifeline to the community during these difficult times; and

WHEREAS, by heroically rising to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the volunteers of the Ampersand Pantry Project exemplify what makes the Commonwealth a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Ampersand Pantry Project, a nonprofit food pantry in Leesburg, hereby be commended for its effort to fight hunger and support businesses through the COVID-19 crisis; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Peter Burnett, founder of the Ampersand Pantry Project, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his organization's remarkable achievements and its selfless service on behalf of citizens of the Commonwealth.