JAMES WOOD

Staff Writer

The Cooking with a Veteran non-profit organization celebrated its official ribbon cutting ceremony and its third anniversary of operation on May 5. According to the organization’s website, their mission is to assist in “fighting food insecurities among veterans and their families.”

Army Veteran Dave Rogers emphasized this role in his arrival to Tennessee years ago, citing large resource deserts for veterans within the region.

“Cooking with a Veteran Inc., was excited to share a milestone with our community partners, supporters and volunteers during our 3rd Anniversary and Ribbon Cutting as a nonprofit,” said Rogers. “We look forward to working with the Chamber and our other community partners to bring more support to those in need.”

Originally starting in 2020 with the goal to provide for hungry veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization later became a 501(c)(3) and continues its mission to fight food insecurity in the region.

Shelbyville Mayor Randy Carroll highlighted the importance of providing to veterans in need.

“There are many people who are not as well off as us,” said Carroll.

Cooking with a Veteran also currently seeks to share resources with its fellow non-profits across Shelbyville including Bedford County Health Fair, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, First Choice Pregnancy, and the Shelbyville Soup Kitchen to better serve those in need.