BY MIKE FUHRMAN
A small team of volunteers in the FeedNC kitchen worked steadily to fill made-to-order requests for a large lunchtime crowd.
Nearby, in the nonprofit’s pantry, shoppers were filling their carts with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and personal items.
Meanwhile, 40-year volunteer Rosie Bailey was working in the laundry to ensure those in need had clean clothes to take with them after they finished eating and picking up their groceries. Hot showers are also available.
FeedNC traces its origins to 1987, when four women started what would become the Mooresville Soup Kitchen.
Today, the nonprofit operates out of a new 26,000-square-foot facility that includes a large industrial kitchen, pantry, modern dining area, training areas and an impressive warehouse. There’s also a large community garden outback.
Executive Director Lara Ingram recently provided Congressman Patrick McHenry with a behind-the-scenes look at FeedNC’s new home.
“I believe this place is the best example of the community solving its own problems,” Ingram explained. “They own it. They are not waiting on other people to ride in on a white horse and solve their problems.”
Volunteers are the heart of the organization. More than 2,000 individuals lend a hand each year, doing everything from picking up donations from local grocery stores and stocking shelves to helping out in the kitchen and warehouse.
More than 75 community partners donate food that would otherwise end up in the trash. And contributions from local businesses and families have nearly covered the cost of the new $7 million facility. Ingram hopes to pay off a small bank loan in the near future.
FeedNC offers free culinary and warehouse training programs for anyone who wants to learn job skills. Staff also assist with job placement and even help negotiate starting salaries for folks who complete the training.
The nonprofit helps anyone who needs a warm meal or help with groceries, Ingram said. She points to a couple in their 90s who has been living in their car and a single mom who recently completed the workforce training program and is now on staff as recent success stories.
The goal is to help anyone who needs a hand get through a difficult time and become self-sufficient.
“We solve immediate needs first because it’s hard to swim when you are drowning,” Ingram said.
After spending a week or more working on debt ceiling negotiations in Washington, D.C., Rep. McHenry said the tour was an uplifting experience.
“This is such an important project, building, gift,” he said. “The community love and ownership is amazing. The building matches the beauty of what they are doing here.”
FeedNC Is located at 2456 Charlotte Highway, Mooresville. Visit FeedNC.org to learn more.
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