Highlands Food Pantry

Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: 2020/11 - November

I  just learned that  due to Covid-19 the annual Christmas Dinner at Highlands Country Club sponsored by HANDS was cancelled.  

This was understandable but disquieting because I knew the dinner’s proceeds contributed to the Highlands Food Pantry – an organization that is certainly now in need more than ever.  

In response, I spoke by phone to Marty Rosenfield, Pantry Director.  During our conversation we discussed how the sputtering economy and pandemic has reshaped the way the Pantry has had to respond to the needs of its clients, and how funding has been affected.  

As fears of catching the virus linger, the Pantry has had to trade the “choice model,” in which clients browse shelves and take only what they need for curbside pick up.  

Though a lifeline for the 75 families (representing 400 people) the Pantry serves each week, and effective in containing the virus, the change presents logistical challenges, which are likely to escalate as cold weather arrives.  

As a result, the Pantry spends three times more on food each week now than they did a year ago.  

In the meantime, they have asked Highlands United Methodist Church if they may return to the “client serve” program,  allowing clients to come in six at a time, and are awaiting a response from the Bishop.  

Navigating the Pandemic and client needs has also prompted an upgrade in services as the Pantry seeks to “raise the bar on the protein we are offering by working with some local ranches and farmers, offering grass fed beef, and no antibiotic chicken,”  and to become a “more rounded provider,” providing non-food products to improve the lives of their clients  and address personal hygiene needs for soap, shampoo, deodorant, tooth brushes, and toothpaste. They are now seeking donations for these items, along with laundry detergents and pet foods.  

But here in the Season of Gratitude, there’s some good news.  

Marty told me that, “The Christmas Dinner was always a nice shot in the arm but it only represented a small fraction of our operating needs. Our greatest source of funds comes through grants, and private donations. Since the pandemic we have taken in thousands of dollars in private donations, plus large quantities of food donations.” 

And as quickly as need escalated, so did new solutions.  Residents of the Cullasaja Country Club organized a fundraiser that netted 1,000 pounds of food and $30,000 in private donations.  

“Also the amount of additional volunteers stepping up to the plate has exceeded our needs. I have tried not to turn anyone away but that has been hard as the number has exceeded the need. I have always shouted out that It Takes a Village….and Highlands is the Pinnacle of that theory.”

Those wanting to help out or in need of assistance are welcome to call Marty Rosenfield at (828) 421-1789.