3 minute read
Mountain Credit Union Partners with MANNA Food Bank
Earlier this month, Mountain Credit Union partnered with MANNA Food Bank to provide meals that will help end food insecurity in the 16 counties of Western North Carolina.
From June 1-8, all seven Mountain Credit Union branches accepted donations of nonperishable food items. Various canned, bottled, boxed and bagged foods were collected. Through the eight-day campaign, the food drive received an enormous amount of food, donated mainly by Mountain Credit Union members and staff. A sizeable monetary donation was also collected.
After gathering the food and money from the different branches, representatives from the credit union took the collection to MANNA Food Bank, where employees weighed it. Through the efforts of Mountain Credit Union staff and members, the donation amounted to 1,468 pounds of food and $575 in monetary donations. Every dollar donated helps provide four meals for people across Western North Carolina facing hunger, and along with the 1,468 pounds of food will provide over 3,500 meals.
“We couldn’t do the work we do if it weren’t for organizations like Mountain Credit Union,” said Jake Deuterman, Food Sourcing Administrative Associate at MANNA Food Bank. “This donation will help us provide 3,523 meals to our neighbors throughout Western North Carolina.”
Franklin Branch Manager Cody Rogers had a substantial impact on this campaign.
“I appreciate the hard-working staff and generous members of Mountain Credit Union. Our entire team did a great job rallying their members to give during the eight days of our food drive.” Rogers said. “This is what ‘People Helping People’ looks like.”
Mountain Credit Union currently has seven branch offices located throughout Western North Carolina and serves anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Swain or Transylvania counties of North Carolina. For more information, please visit mountaincu.org.
United Christian Ministries of Jackson County held an open house on Wednesday, June 15, to formally dedicate the pantry addition and to allow local community agencies to tour the facility. The food pantry is 100% staffed by volunteers who work with two staff members, Karen Johnson (Executive Director) and Joyce Pope (Director of Outreach).
Agencies were able to tour both sections of the pantry. The first section contains dried goods, shelf-stable foods, diapers, paper products and toiletry items. The newest part of the pantry was added in 2021, and contains all the refrigerators and freezers, as well as the fresh fruits and vegetables. Attendees learned about UCM’s partnership with WalMart and Food Lion, who donate fresh foods each week to UCM. UCM also receives food donations from churches, local farms, and individuals. They also purchase food from MANNA and local suppliers. Food is distributed to Jackson County residents in need. In 2021, over 76,000 pounds of food was given out.
United Christian Ministries provides food pantry, personal items and financial assistance to Jackson County residents in need. Their mission is to be a voice for and a help to people with urgent physical, economic, social, or spiritual needs. More information on UCM is available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and at www.ucmhelp.com.
JustDoOils.com
Book online at: MassageWaynesville.com 828.456.3585
Haywood Square | 288 N. Haywood St. | Waynesville nclmbe 103
