The Founding of the Community Table
The Community Table opened its doors on August 12, 1999. Individuals, agencies, and local churches in Jackson County joined resources to help provide partial relief to any resident of the county who might otherwise go hungry.
Representatives from REACH of Jackson County, the Jackson County Health Department, NC Cooperative Extension Services, St. David’s Episcopal Church, Lifeway Community Church, the Family Resource Center and Western Carolina University worked as partners to provide a place to serve nutritious meals four evenings a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Grants were written and received, and monthly support was pledged by a community church. The Table was located at the site of a former restaurant and volunteers prepared and served the meals. Restaurants, grocers, farmers and individuals donated food.
The Community Table Today
Ongoing funding for The Community Table comes from individual donations, fund-raisers of various kinds, churches, and grants. Grocers, individuals, gardeners, and organizations continue to donate food. The Table is a member agency of MANNA Food Bank. In a county where 20% of the total population is food insecure and 26% of children, 56% of the children qualify for free school lunches, and 23% of its people live below the poverty level, The Table fills a niche in helping to feed the food insecure.
Empty Bowls
Blue Plate Specials
The Big Move – 2012
