February 26, 2025

With the anticipation of spring on the horizon and the Lenten roses emerging at our homes, the pantry was filled with the aroma of Chef Martha preparing three tasty food entrees.  You can view them and find the recipes by watching the Carolina Kitchen on WLOS. A taste and recipes are available for "neighbors" -- Pasta with Peas, Wilted Spinach Salad, and Carolina Bean Dip.

We welcomed 124 families representing 472 individuals and three new families. The three new families averaged five members per family.  We continue to need volunteers who can help with Spanish registrations. Once a month would be very helpful!

 Our Pantry's purpose is to distribute food to families with food insecurity. However, we also are fortunate to have the pharmacy interns from UNCA for glucose and blood pressure screening, The Mills River Lions Club Eye Van for visual screening, and our mini family book shelf.  We have two dedicated shelves for adult books and a shelf for children in the gathering room. With your "spring cleaning," think about donating some books to us.

 We have been offered an extremely generous amount of "Survivor Daily Ration food packets" that contain one day's complete food requirement for one person.  Best by Date is 10-2026. Several churches have blessing boxes where they keep it filled with not only food items but these packets. If you are aware of any organization or family who could benefit from these food packets, we will be distributing them this Saturday, March 1st between 8:00-11:00. We will have cases and individual packages available.

 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.

 Kathy Noyes, for the Executive Committee