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Heroes Fight Hunger
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: December 2024
The Plateau’s twin food pantries are serving up holiday feasts so that everyone enjoys a measure of Christmas Cheer.
Cashiers’ Fishes and Loaves and International Friendship Center Food Pantry (Highlands) bring every year to a close with holiday feasts for those in need. Even with the challenges of recent weather, holiday dinners prevail. There’ll be turkeys, hams, all the makings for side dishes and desserts plus delights for kids – and for grown-up kids, too. Nobody can resist hot chocolate and pie.
Both food bank staffs sing the praises of their volunteers, supporters, and donators who literally keep the work force community alive and well – and operational. It’s been a rugged year, but the residents of the Cashiers, Sapphire, Highlands, Glenville and other mountaintop communities kept food on the tables for many.
Bonnie Grossman of Fishes and Loaves said the revamp of their operation of last year was terrific. Clients now have a self-choice pantry, rather than accept a box where many items were refused. It saved a lot of money, fostered contentment, and overall, made systems more efficient.
Bonnie Dayton, of International Friendship Center, said they’re offering favorite, along-with new items this season. There’s a selection of juices for a favorite Hispanic holiday punch. One of her workers created holiday cake kits that use a variety of soft drinks, like Dr. Pepper, which serve as flavoring, oil, and sweetener.
She adds, “Turkeys and hams are available. Come to the pantry and pick one up. First come first serve. Sauces, dressing, sweet potatoes, sugars for baking needs, and more are also presented.”
Bonnie Grossman adds, “There are many things not purchasable by food stamps, but can be acquired at F&L.”
Hours for Fishes and Loaves pick-up: Monday and Thursday, 4:30 to 6:30 P.M. December 19 and 23 is turkey and ham pick-up, 4:30 to 6:30 P.M.
Hours for Highlands Food Pantry food pick-up: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Meat pick up 2-3 weeks before Christmas. Volunteers who want to help during the holiday season can participate in shifts: 9:45 A.M. to 1:45 P.M.; or 1:45 to 5:00 P.M.
Grossman and Dayton agree the best thing you can do for their food banks is donate money. They can purchase food much cheaper than donors can. And, while it’s appreciated, food from outside kitchens can add complications, so please inquire before making food offerings.
Contact info: Cashiers: fishesandloavescashiers.org and executive director Larry Morris, (828) 743-4931; and Highlands: internationalfriendshipcenter.org, and Bonnie Dayton, (828) 200-5524.
