VERSAILLES, Ky. (FOX 56) — As rising grocery prices put pressure on household budgets, 25-year-old Nevaeh Southern, who has autism and epilepsy, is finding a simple way to help her neighbors: making sure they have something to eat.
Nevaeh created Hope’s Food Box, a free food pantry outside her family’s home on Bellview Avenue in Versailles. Inspired by her middle name, Hope, the project offers nonperishable groceries to community members who need a little extra help.
The idea came after Nevaeh saw reports online and on television about rising food costs and families struggling to afford groceries.
“I just saw it … on YouTube and on news stuff,” Nevaeh said.
Her mother, Angela Southern, said helping others has been part of her daughter’s life since she was young. Nevaeh, who has autism and epilepsy, has helped hurricane victims, organized winter coat drives, and advocated for autism awareness in Versailles.
In March, she was named Miss Woodford County Autism Ambassador. She also helped secure recognition from local officials, designating April as Autism Awareness Month in Versailles.
“She has such a big, kind heart. She is so full of empathy and compassion,” Angela said.
The family purchased some of the initial groceries, and community donations have helped stock the pantry. Available items include tuna, soup, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, applesauce, and other nonperishable foods.
For Nevaeh, the goal is to help people who might otherwise go without.
“It’s good now nobody won’t be starving for when winter comes,” Nevaeh said.
Hope’s Food Box is kept locked when the family is away, but people seeking assistance can contact Angela Southern or knock on the family’s door for access. The family also is willing to arrange food drop-offs for those who cannot make the trip.
Angela said the community’s response to the project has been encouraging, with donations coming in from people eager to support their neighbors.
She hopes her daughter’s efforts remind others that even a small act of kindness can make a difference.
“If she can do it … just to change one person’s life and make one person’s life a little easier, we could all learn a lesson from her,” Angela said.
For Nevaeh, helping others is simply part of who she is.
“I like helping people,” she said. “That’s how I am. I’m born this way.”