Edited by Stewart Butler, Deanna Sipe
A nonprofit food pantry in Sylva is lending a helping hand after Hurricane Helene. Community Table is feeding 80 to 100 Jackson County residents every day. Director Paige Christie says it’s essential to get the word out that Community Table is open.
“We’re going to be rocking and rolling for as long as we need to. We have been doing this for 25 years – we aren’t going anywhere. We are serving meals four nights a week, the food pantry is fully operational, and we have donations coming in,” Christie said.
Community Table is open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The pantry is a ‘client choice pantry’ where people can take what works for them. Portions are based on family size. Community Table pantry has provided for 40 families and donated roughly 85 boxes worth of food following Helene. They usually serve 15 to 25 boxes of food per day.
“We are a MANNA Food Bank partner, and the bank was located in Swannanoa NC just outside of Asheville, and the facilities are gone. The bank that gets food to pantries in 16 western counties in North Carolina does not exist anymore,” Christie said.
Christie explained that the warehouses are gone, a good portion of the trucks are gone, administration buildings are gone and communication is almost nonexistent.
“We are looking at a long-term impact – not just for the Community Table – but for all of the food pantries in the region.”
The MANNA warehouse held all USDA food for pantries in the region. Christie says Community Table is trying to remain operational but is now at a 30% stock deficit.
Community Table currently has fresh produce from Darnell farms, KT orchard and KMB Meats. The pantry relies heavily on donations of fresh meat and produce.
“There are zero qualifications to use our services. We don’t need paperwork, we don’t need identification or anything. If people are brave enough to walk through the door and ask for help, we will help them.”
Community Table has seen an influx of volunteers in the aftermath of Helene.
“Students from Western Carolina University have been absolutely phenomenal. The community support is helping us get through everything now and in the long term,” Christie said.
Jackson County is currently accepting donations at their warehouse on WBI Drive in Dillsboro. Donation needs are updated daily on the Community Table Facebook. Jackson County Emergency Management will distribute donations to those in need.
For more information, visit the Community Table website or Facebook.
Community Table is located at 23 Central St. in Sylva by the pool and Poteet Park.
