It is a tough act to follow," confessed Melanie C. Maloney, the new president of Seven Loaves Services, Inc, the food pantry housed in the Middleburg United Methodist Church. "George Lengauer, our president for the last six years, led us through some difficult conditions and brought us to a period of stability and growth, growth unfortunately needed in still difficult economic times" said Maloney. Lengauer retired in December 2012.

Maloney comes to the helm of Seven Loaves after years of quiet support and a year of hands-on effort. She practiced law with the Washington, D.C. firm of Dickstein Shapiro LLP for 30 years, before retiring in 2011.

She began to volunteer as a driver and pantry helper in early 2012 and quickly found a niche. "I was taken aback that we infrequently had fresh produce to offer our patrons. We seek to provide nutritious food, but so often it is hardly that," said Maloney. "Some of what we have to offer is high in fat, or sodium or sugar – or all three," she conceded.

So she sought out local farmers and succeeded in getting many to donate fresh surplus food. "We were just amazed at the outpouring of generosity that occurred just by asking," Maloney reported.

"We made a step forward last year," she said, "but have much more to do." Maloney said her priority as president is to continue efforts to ensure that Seven Loaves' patrons truly receive nutritious food when in need.

"I've learned a few important things so far. First and foremost, our greatest strengths are our people. We have so many outstanding volunteers, who give so generously," Maloney said. She also highlighted the outpouring of support from the Middleburg community. "The community supports us in ways large and small, and we are energized and humbled by all who contribute to help us feed those who need a little assistance," she concluded.

In 2012, Seven Loaves served 700 families with more than 440,000 pounds of food. The families made more than 5,300 visits, and came from 17 counties in Virginia.