November 20, 2024

"Roll Up Your Sleeve!" Pharmacy students from UNC-A volunteered this past Saturday to offer Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose screenings. The students are part of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy campus in Chapel Hill.  Both screenings are available to all our pantry "neighbors" and volunteers. We are so appreciative for the mornings they are able to spend with us.

Manna began their bi-weekly distributions last week. They offer, on the other week, an opportunity for pantries to receive additional items. On a somber note, Manna was located on Swannanoa River Road and did not fare well during Helene. They have been able to relocate to an incredible facility off Airport Road. Rob and I were able to visit the facility On Tuesday, as we picked up some additional items. Due to the generosity of many communities from near and far, Manna is able to distribute food throughout Western North Carolina again.

The Lutheran Church of the Nativity Prayer Shawl ministry donated several prayer shawls. Each shawl has a prayer attached to it. A copy of the prayer has been included in the picture section. Shawls are offered to folks in nursing homes, having surgery, recovering from an illness, or for comfort.

Chef Martha prepared a tasty Campfire Chili on Saturday morning for our neighbors to sample. Packets were available for preparing your own quick meal at home. Chef Martha prepared carrot soup, cranberry sauce, and broccoli salad for the WLOS Carolina Kitchen segments.  We welcomed 97 neighbors representing 354 individuals.  Six new families joined us representing 51 individuals.

On behalf of our Pantry Board, we express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous food and monetary donations to our pantry. Your donations will make a significant impact on the lives of those in our community who are struggling with food insecurity.

For The Executive Committee, -- Kathy Noyes