Food City Employee Receives Quilt of Valor

Longtime associate Woody Woods honored for military service

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:03am

A brightly colored, abstract silkscreen print featuring a Quilt of Valor draped over a grocery store checkout counter, repeated in a grid pattern to create a modern pop art composition.A community-minded grocery store honors a veteran employee with a handmade quilt, while also supporting local military initiatives.Knoxville Today

Woody Woods, a long-time employee at the Middlebrook Pike Food City in Knoxville, Tennessee, was presented with a quilt from Quilts of Valor in recognition of his dedicated service to the nation. Food City also recently donated $13,150 to the United Veterans Council of East Tennessee to support weekly breakfasts for local veterans and the Wreath Across America program.

Why it matters

The Quilts of Valor program provides handmade quilts to service members and veterans as a way to honor their sacrifices and thank them for their service. Food City's ongoing support for local veteran organizations demonstrates the company's commitment to the military community.

The details

Woody Woods, a long-time associate at the Middlebrook Pike Food City in Knoxville, was presented with a quilt from the Quilts of Valor Foundation in recognition of his military service. In addition, Food City recently donated $13,150 to the United Veterans Council of East Tennessee, which helps provide weekly breakfasts for area veterans and supports the Wreath Across America program.

  • Woody Woods was presented with the Quilt of Valor on April 3, 2026.
  • Food City made the $13,150 donation to the United Veterans Council of East Tennessee in 2026.

The players

Woody Woods

A long-time employee at the Middlebrook Pike Food City in Knoxville, Tennessee, and a veteran who was honored with a Quilt of Valor.

Food City

A grocery store chain that has a history of supporting local veteran organizations, including the United Veterans Council of East Tennessee.

Quilts of Valor Foundation

A national nonprofit organization that provides handmade quilts to service members and veterans as a way to honor their sacrifices and thank them for their service.

United Veterans Council of East Tennessee

A local organization that provides support and resources for veterans in the Knoxville area, including weekly breakfasts and the Wreath Across America program.

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What they’re saying

“We are proud to continue our support of the United Veterans Council of East Tennessee and to honor Woody Woods for his dedicated service to our nation.”

— Betsi James, Special Events Manager, Food City Knoxville Division

The takeaway

This story highlights the important role that local businesses can play in supporting veterans and military families in their communities. By partnering with organizations like Quilts of Valor and the United Veterans Council, Food City is making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served.