Debbie’s Lighthouse Combats Food Insecurity While Helping Small Businesses Grow in Front Royal

What generations of Front Royal residents knew as the Gillum Lumber Company property is becoming a place where families can find fresh food, entrepreneurs can build businesses, and neighbors can come together for community events.

At the center of that effort is Debbie’s Lighthouse, a nonprofit organization Julie Vaught founded in memory of her mother, who passed away in 2020.

During a recent interview, Vaught discussed the organization’s growing food assistance programs, plans for commercial kitchens, support for small businesses, and two upcoming Halloween celebrations designed to bring the community together while supporting the nonprofit.

The organization focuses on two areas: addressing food insecurity and providing health advocacy. While both matter, Vaught said the immediate need for food assistance led her to start there.

The effort started by serving lunches through the Salvation Army and has since expanded to include a small food pantry, partnerships with local farms, and additional meal programs.

Helping Families Put Fresh Food on the Table

One of the nonprofit’s signature programs is Farm to Fam Boxes, which provides fresh, locally grown food to 25 families every other week.

The boxes are assembled through partnerships with local farms and include recipes to help families prepare the ingredients.

Another program, Farm to Fam Bags, provides shelf-stable meal kits that complement the fresh food boxes.

Debbie’s Lighthouse also serves meals at First Baptist Church on the third and fourth Fridays of each month.

But Vaught wants the organization to do more than simply distribute food.

A community garden on the property lets families receiving assistance learn to grow their own produce. Unlike traditional community gardens where volunteers raise crops for distribution, this garden encourages participants to become directly involved.

The nonprofit offers education in gardening, food preservation, and meal preparation.

Vaught explained that fresh vegetables can sometimes intimidate families unfamiliar with certain foods or unsure how to prepare them.

By providing recipes and hands-on instruction, Debbie’s Lighthouse hopes to help families make nutritious meals while developing skills they can continue using.

Vaught emphasized that the goal is to give people the resources and knowledge needed to participate in their own well-being.

Commercial Kitchens Will Support Food Programs and Entrepreneurs

Another major project nearing completion is developing two commercial commissary kitchens on the property.

Vaught said one kitchen is nearly finished and awaiting final inspections.

Once operational, the kitchens will let food entrepreneurs rent prep space, develop products, and grow their businesses without immediately investing in a full restaurant facility.

However, the kitchens also serve the nonprofit’s broader mission.

Vaught explained that participating vendors understand they are becoming part of Debbie’s Lighthouse and are encouraged to contribute to its programs.

Some may donate food products, while others could help prepare meals for people who lack the equipment or facilities to cook for themselves.

The property already has two operating food trucks, with at least one generally open Thursday through Sunday.

Four additional food trucks have arrangements to operate there once the kitchen facilities receive the necessary approvals.

Vaught sees the arrangement as a partnership that benefits everyone involved. Small business owners gain access to facilities and customers, while the nonprofit builds relationships that can help feed local families.

Creating Opportunities for Small Businesses

The organization’s support for entrepreneurs extends beyond food trucks.

Inside the property, Fox Tracks Farm Market provides vendors with year-round space to sell locally grown products and other natural goods.

Unlike seasonal outdoor markets, the indoor setting lets participating businesses stay active year-round.

Vaught said greenhouse growing, indoor growing equipment, and partnerships with local farmers help make fresh products available beyond the traditional growing season.

The market also provides opportunities for vendors offering natural wellness products, wood products, and other locally produced goods.

The property is also home to Happy Creek Antiques, which is expanding its consignment and vendor space.

Vaught said the rear portion of the building is being converted into additional booths for small businesses, with completion expected in December.

The planned expansion includes 16 booths, but interest has already exceeded available space.

“We have 16 booths available, and I have over 25 applicants already,” she said.

All 16 spaces have been spoken for, and additional interested vendors can join a waiting list.

For Vaught, the goal is to create an environment where someone with a business idea can get started without facing all the expenses and challenges of opening a traditional storefront.

Halloween Events Will Help Support Debbie’s Lighthouse

In addition to its ongoing programs, Debbie’s Lighthouse organizes community events to raise money for its work.

Vaught said these gatherings serve two purposes: supporting the nonprofit financially and giving residents opportunities to spend time together.

Two events are scheduled before the end of October.

The first is the Monster Mash and Moonlight Market, set for Saturday, October 24, from 4 to 10 p.m.

The event is geared toward adults looking for an evening of Halloween fun, although younger visitors are welcome.

Activities will include live music, games, a costume contest with a runway, and a moonlight market featuring more than 20 confirmed vendors.

Both operating food trucks are expected to be open during the celebration.

The market will also give visitors an opportunity to shop for gifts and support local businesses.

On Saturday, October 31, Debbie’s Lighthouse will host its annual children’s Halloween celebration, Kids Hurrah Halloween Spooktacular, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Vaught hopes families will enjoy the Halloween activities throughout Front Royal, including the downtown celebration, and make Debbie’s Lighthouse part of their evening.

Most of the organization’s events have little or no admission charge and rely on donations and community participation to help cover expenses and support its programs.

Building a Stronger Community

Throughout the interview, Vaught returned to a central theme: Debbie’s Lighthouse is about much more than food assistance or business development.

She wants the property to become a community destination where people can learn, support one another, and build relationships.

That means helping families become more self-sufficient, encouraging small business owners, and creating opportunities for neighbors to meet.

Food prices, housing expenses, utilities, and other costs have made it increasingly difficult for some working families to make ends meet.

Vaught said that helping residents understand available resources and develop practical skills is increasingly important.

She also believes community events play a valuable role in bringing people together.

“That is the ultimate goal in what we’re trying to establish,” Vaught said, describing her vision of a destination for community camaraderie.

She encouraged residents to support their neighbors, join local activities, and give children opportunities to spend time together away from electronic devices.

The nonprofit’s continued growth reflects that philosophy.

From fresh produce boxes and gardening education to food trucks, commercial kitchens, and small business spaces, Debbie’s Lighthouse is working to connect community needs with community resources.

For Vaught, every vendor, volunteer, donor, and visitor can help.

Residents interested in supporting Debbie’s Lighthouse are encouraged to attend the upcoming Halloween events, visit the businesses operating at the property, and learn more about the nonprofit’s community programs.

The message is simple: helping the community grow takes the community itself.

Town Talk, sponsored by National Media Services, Inc., is a Royal Examiner series that introduces you to local entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and public officials who help shape Warren County. Conversations cover a wide range of topics about our community and the people making a difference.