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Haywood Christian Ministries outlines expansion of food security work, asks for continued town support
Summary
Haywood Christian Ministries told the council it has shifted focus to food insecurity, reporting increased need and outlining new programs — a Smoky Mountain Harvest Hub, commissary kitchens, refrigerated lockers and a mobile market — that aim to serve thousands of residents.
Representatives of Haywood Christian Ministries summarized a strategic shift to prioritize food security after pandemic and storm impacts, presented research (including a Dogwood Health Trust grant) and described several initiatives: a Smoky Mountain Harvest Hub to aggregate and market small‑farm produce, two commissary kitchens for value‑added processing, refrigerated pickup lockers, and a mobile market to reach rural communities.
Blake Hart (HCM) said food insecurity in Haywood County increased markedly since 2022; staff estimates included about 13,000 people who have run out of food at some point and roughly 2,300 unique households served by HCM’s pantry operations (reporting about 4,000 pantry visits per month). Hart described partnerships with 50+ small farms and 30 partner agencies, and said HCM is installing compost systems and expanding capacity to process donated perishables.
Council members thanked HCM for the work and asked questions about operational support; staff noted the town has supported past pantry drives and planned a donation check presentation. HCM requested continued coordination and possible future partnerships.
