Jessica Cauthen

A local woman becomes a hero to the residents of Johnson County for starting a food bank.

"I'm just doing what God has instructed us all to do," is what Judy said when asked why she single-handedly started the food bank. Judy Trezvant is a 53 year old divorcee who turned to God while she raised her 2 daughters alone. She says she prayed to God asking him to help her through hard times promising that she would in turn find a way to help others in the future. 5 months ago Judy started on the path to fulfilling that promise by opening a food bank in Johnson County. Johnson County is comprised mostly of rural and low income families with an unemployment rate of 10.5%. The average Social Security benefit for residents is $475 per month. The food bank is officially named the Raising Hope Food Pantry and now serves about 70 families per week. People come to the food bank to get staples like bread, milk and meat. Helen Gibbs, a 62 year old retired clerk living with her disabled husband, visits the food bank once a week. "I think its fantastic that Judy has done this, it helps alot of people," says Helen. She claims before the food bank times were tough and she did the best she could, but it is easier now with the extra food. When asked about Judy, Helen said, " I think she's great, fantastic! If she can help you she will." Helen's definition of a hero is, "Somebody that helps other people and goes out of their way...Judy is an outgoing person who will do whatever she can for you anytime, anyplace, anywhere." "I don't think I'm a hero," claims Judy, feeling she is doing what anyone would do. Judy is a trained registered nurse, however, a car accident left her unable to continue nursing. She then took a part-time job and happily spends most of her time running the food bank claiming she will continue to do so, "until God takes me home." The comminty has backed Judy since she started the food bank with concerts and bake sales. The Glendale United Methodist Church youth group collected and donated $400. The food bank had been using its present facility at 213 Maple St. in Harmontown rent free, but now the landlord, Main Street Organization, is expanding and needs to use the building. Judy is looking for a new location to run the food bank and has to be out by the 15th. If necessary Judy says she will store the food in an extra bedroom until they find a new location claiming, "we won't close up."