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No More Bare Cupboards
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2016/10 - October
In a community that, by any standard, is well off, many families in Highlands still worry about their next meal.
That’s where the Food Pantry of Highlands helps. As part of MANNA FoodBank, a private, not-for-profit service organization, that links the food industry with over 200 partner agencies in 16 counties of Western North Carolina, our local food pantry serves over one-quarter of Macon County.
With colder weather approaching, the number of clients needing help nearly doubles. Highlands’ seasonal job climate means when businesses cut back hours, they also cut back the number of employees they hire. This is also true for country clubs, a large employer of part-time workers.
There are several ways you can help. On October 2, the International Friendship Center and The First Presbyterian Church of Highlands will once again be sponsoring Empty Bowls, an international initiative to feed the hungry locally. Thanks to The Bascom, which will be providing hand-thrown bowls, and local area restaurants providing the food, guests are invited to enjoy a simple meal and, in exchange for a cash donation, take the bowl home with them. The cost is $20.
In December, after the Christmas Parade, ’Tis the Season will offer shoppers an opportunity to support the Food Pantry of Highlands through making donations in a recipient’s honor. The pantry is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit and all donations are totally tax-deductible.
Food Pantry Director Marty Rosenfield says, “’Tis the Season’ is a cooperative effort between the Highlands Emergency Council, the International Friendship Center, and the food pantry, reaching out across the community to help those in need. But money is not all that’s needed, the pantry is always looking for people to donate one or two hours a month to help in various ways. We have teams that do everything from unloading trucks to filling bags with rice and beans. It’s not a lot of time, but it certainly means a lot to us and to those who depend on us.”
For more information in the Empty Bowls Project, contact Andrea Smith at the International Friendship Center at (828) 526-0890. To learn more about how you can help the Food Pantry of Highlands, contact Rosenfield at (828) 526-9828.
