Midlothian Man Hosts Cookouts for Unhoused in Richmond
TL;DR: A Midlothian resident is hosting free cookouts to serve meals to unhoused individuals in the Richmond area.
Quick facts
- Who: Travis Snead, Midlothian resident; Aaron Johnson, 37, currently unhoused
- What: Tailgate-style community cookouts providing free meals to unhoused individuals
- When: First coordinated event a few weeks before September 2026; planning regular events
- Where: Near Rosie's on Midlothian Turnpike close to the Richmond/Chesterfield line
The story
Travis Snead, a Midlothian resident, is organizing community cookouts to provide free meals to unhoused individuals in the Richmond area. The initiative began after Snead drove past Rosie's on Midlothian Turnpike near the Richmond line and met Aaron Johnson, 37, who is currently experiencing homelessness. Together, they organized a tailgate-style cookout that served more than 50 people.
Snead's approach emphasizes universal human dignity in service. "It's not up to me to ask or judge or say whether or not you deserve basic human rights," he said. "Like we're all in this together." Before expanding to public cookouts, Snead had coordinated dinners at homeless shelters.
Snead and Johnson are working to make the cookouts a regular community effort. Those interested in supporting or participating can contact Snead at travis.snead1@gmail.com.
Key players
- Travis Snead: Chesterfield County resident organizing cookouts for unhoused individuals
- Aaron Johnson: Unhoused individual who met Snead and is helping coordinate the cookouts
Why it matters: Snead's cookouts address immediate food insecurity among people experiencing homelessness in the broader Richmond region, while modeling direct community care by a local resident.
Places
Development timeline
- Before September 2026Travis Snead coordinates dinners at homeless shelters: Snead organizes meals at shelter facilities as part of his community support efforts [source]
- Early September 2026 (a few weeks before coverage)Snead meets Aaron Johnson and launches first coordinated cookout: After encountering Johnson near Rosie's on Midlothian Turnpike, Snead and Johnson organize a tailgate cookout serving over 50 unhoused individuals [source]
- September 8, 2026WTVR CBS 6 covers Snead's cookout initiative: Local news reports on the Midlothian resident's community cookouts for unhoused individuals [source]
Related links
Read the original at WTVR CBS 6 (YouTube) →