Calvary Episcopal Food Pantry Awarded $50,000 from Deerfield

Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community has made a major contribution of $50,000 to the building fund of the Calvary Episcopal Church Food Pantry in Fletcher. The Calvary Food Pantry opened in April of 2009 in an effort to help local residents in need of food. Members of Calvary Episcopal Church felt called to organize and open the Food Pantry, but it could not operate without support from our whole community. In addition to Calvary, other local churches, businesses, individuals, service organizations, and philanthropic groups make the Food Pantry possible. In 2011, the Food Pantry was incorporated as a non-profit organization.

“The Calvary Food Pantry is a great ministry to South Asheville and Henderson County. Deerfield has been affiliated with the Episcopal Church for nearly 70 years and we are thrilled to be able to support such an amazing mission,” said Bob Wernet, President/CEO, Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community.

In 2018, the Calvary Episcopal Church Food Pantry served a total of 4,896 households and 17,081 individuals with weekly averages of 96 households and 335 individuals. Over 70 volunteers participate each month, with over 200 volunteer hours donated weekly. The goal is to provide at least half a week’s provisions per weekly visit. The Pantry strives to provide 45-50% of a family’s needs in fruits, vegetables, and grains, 25% of its milk, and 90% of its protein.

“The Deerfield donation will help to change the lives of people in both Henderson and Buncombe Counties. Calvary and our partners are committed to serving the needs of those in need of food in our community,” said The Rev. J. Clarkson, Priest-In-Charge, Calvary Episcopal.

Calvary Episcopal Church Food Pantry, Inc. is designated as a “very large” food pantry as scored by MANNA Food Bank, and an authorized distributor of federal SAM and Henderson County TEFAP food. On average, it provides 3530 meals weekly. The current lack of space in the Calvary Parish Hall to adequately serve the growing number and needs of clients facilitated the decision to raise money for a separate building on Calvary Church’s campus. The new building will greatly enhance the Food Pantry’s ability to provide additional nutritious food to clients. The cost for the new building is estimated at $500,000, and Deerfield’s contribution to the building fund will help the Food Pantry in fulfilling its mission of helping those in need.

“The Food Pantry was overwhelmed and thrilled when we got the news about the gift from Deerfield. Some of the residents of Deerfield along with the Director of Philanthropy, Michelle Wooley, have volunteered at our Food Pantry. We are so grateful for Deerfield’s generosity,” said Marilyn Bradt, Executive Committee President of Calvary Episcopal Church Food Pantry.

Founded in 1955, Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community has grown into a nationally-acclaimed Life Care community on 125 acres just south of downtown Asheville.

The Calvary Food Pantry is open to anyone in need of food on Saturdays between 8:30 am and 11:00 am.