For many people, Thanksgiving is a time to visit friends and family, yell across the dinner table for someone to pass the rolls, and maybe get into a little argument with the in-laws over who was supposed to bring the green bean casserole. However, everyone’s holiday traditions look a little different and food insecurity can cause a huge divide.
According to Feeding America, in 2019 the food insecurity rate was at 15.8% in Jackson County. The non-profit organization predicts that by the end of 2021 that there will be a 1.1% increase in food insecurity within the county.
For those who need a little extra help during the holiday season, here are some local resources that might help out:
The Community Table is located at 23 Central St in Sylva and will be open and serving Thanksgiving meals to-go. The non-profit organization will be open from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 25. The to-go meal will consist of turkey with gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and more.
There are no requirements to receive donations from The Community Table. It is for “anybody who needs it,” said Paige Christie, The Community Table’s executive director.
“Come tell us you’re hungry, and we’ll feed you,” Christie said.
Call (828) 586-6782 for more information about The Community Table.
Fishes and Loaves Food Bank is located at 549 Frank Allen Rd in Cashiers. The food bank will be providing Thanksgiving meals to those in need this holiday season, as well as for Christmas and Easter. They will not be open on Thanksgiving day but will be open on Nov. 18 and 22 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The food pantry will package food boxes with items such as turkey, ham, potatoes, vegetables, onions, yams, cranberry sauce, apple or pumpkin pie and rolls.
Contact (828) 508-0378 for more information.
The United Christian Ministries of Jackson County is the largest food bank in Jackson County and is located at 91 Skyland Dr in Sylva. The food bank will not be open on Thanksgiving day but will be open the week leading up to the holiday. They will be open Monday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday from 12:30 to 3 p.m., and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For Thanksgiving, they will be providing holiday meal kits. They have 200 meal kits planned for Thanksgiving but most of them have already been signed up for, said Joyce Pope, director of outreach.
The only requirement to receive meals is that you must live in Jackson County.
To sign up call (828) 586-8228 for more information.
For more information on food insecurity in Jackson County, read this article.
