Ian Price | July 29, 2026ROANOKE, Va. — The Local Office on Aging has earned national recognition for its Emergency Food Pantry, receiving a 2026 Aging Achievement Award from USAging during the organization’s 51st Annual Conference in San Diego. The Emergency Food Pantry operates year-round, delivering monthly supplemental grocery bags to low-income, food-insecure seniors across the Roanoke Valley, Alleghany Highlands, and surrounding counties. “We know locally and regionally that the LOA Emergency Food Pantry makes a difference, but it’s just nice to be recognized.” “These award-winning programs reflect the ingenuity, dedication and local leadership of Area Agencies on Aging across the country,” Markwood said. For more information about the Emergency Food Pantry or to donate, contact the Local Office on Aging at 540-345-0451 or visit www.loaa.org.