People of Charlotte, please meet Feeding Charlotte! Feeding Charlotte’s commitment to conquering food waste in the community has prompted a drive to collect unused Charlotte Mecklenburg School (CMS) meal bundles. To date, the organization has rescued 2,190 meal bundles for redistribution in food insecure areas of the city.
Now let's get to know Feeding Charlotte's story!
How are you working with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools?
While schools are closed during the pandemic, the CMS Eats at Home program provides meal bundles for five breakfasts and five lunches available for pick up at meal sites or delivered to students' bus stops. In an effort to help keep cafeteria and school bus workers employed, some CMS families that would not otherwise collect food support are purchasing the boxes each week. But, they needed help getting the food to people in need.
“We had neighbors that started reaching out and by the end of the first week, we were getting lots of calls and realized there was a need,” said Feeding Charlotte’s Executive Director Mendy Godman. “Since we're not able to rescue freshly prepared food at this time, it just made sense.”
How many meals have you gotten out into the Charlotte community?
Feeding Charlotte began collecting meal bundles on September 16. Since beginning collections, the organization has rescued 2,190 meal packages, which translates into 21,900 meals going to the food insecure around Charlotte.
Who is benefiting from your kindness and efforts?
Central United Methodist Church (CUMC) is one happy recipient. To help its food insecure community off Abermarle Road, CUMC was offering a weekly dinner church before COVID-19 intervened. “We didn’t know what we were going to do,” said Bette Nazarchyk. Since connecting with Feeding Charlotte, CUMC has been able to continue to serve 100 to 120 plates to senior residents of affordable housing nearby. “This is wonderful for our church. The seniors are so grateful.”
Other recipient organizations include Faith Liberation Church, Salvation Army Center of Hope, Pine Valley Community Center, and Families Forward.
Where and when are you collecting meals for those who are hungry?
Feeding Charlotte collects meal bundle donations at Providence United Methodist Church on Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m and in Myers Park United Methodist Church’s overflow parking lot from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. on Thursdays.
About Feeding Charlotte
Feeding Charlotte, a 501c(3) nonprofit, strives to reduce hunger among families while reducing our total carbon footprint. Branching out from Food Connection, Feeding Charlotte is dedicated to not only delivering fresh food but also educating the population about food insecurity. For more information or to get involved visit feedingcharlotte.org.
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