By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
It’s that time of year when many folks are thinking about family gatherings with roasted turkey, dressing and sweet desserts. Yet for some, food options may be limited by high costs, limited access, low income or something else.
Whether you need a little assistance a time or two, or something more long-term, we have listed annual holiday food options for Clay County residents.
Thanksgiving hams, turkeys or turkey breasts, and an assortment of holiday sides, will be provided for patrons of the Clay County Food Pantry. Thanksgiving distribution will be during the Clay County Food Pantry’s normal operating hours from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21.
Clay County Food Pantry president Jerry Sullivan said they provided Thanksgiving for 254 families last year and they are planning for 350 families this year. Patrons are encouraged to bring their empty food boxes back and plastic grocery bags are also needed.
The Clay County Food Pantry will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 27. Sullivan said they will be open normal hours of 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, but not sure of staffing since everyone volunteers their time. “A ham holiday meal will be given for Christmas,” he said.
In addition, there are usually hundreds of packages of cookies courtesy of the holiday cookie drive at Dove Profiles Hair Salon in Hayesville. Donations of non-perishable food and donations to buy food are always welcome. The Clay County Food Pantry is at 2278 Hinton Center Road in Hayesville. Visit: claycountyfoodpantry.org or find them on Facebook.
Matt’s Ministry is another food bank for Clay County residents. While they are not doing anything different for Thanksgiving, their pantries will operate on a regular schedule for Clay County residents.
Matts Ministry main location is at 123 W.J. Cabe Road in Hayesville and open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday. Their location at Brasstown Community Center at 255 Settawig Road in Brasstown, will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26.
Matt’s Food Bank is affiliated with Manna — part of the National Feed America effort. Matt’s purchases most of its food from Manna and supplements its pantry from local stores which also supply donations. The group is collecting unexpired, non-perishable food such as canned goods, rice, pasta, shelf-stable milk, baby formula, dry cereals and fruits, cooking essentials like salt, pepper and oil. These donations may be dropped off at Clay County Health Department. For other ways to help, visit: mattsministry.org or like them on Facebook.
Hayesville First Freewill Baptist Church, 259 Tusquittee Street in Hayesville, has a fellowship dinner every Wednesday evening prior to evening service. From 5:30-6:45 p.m., a hot meal is served in the First Free Will Baptist Church Family Life Center. Youth eat free and adults are by donation only, with proceeds going directly to support the church’s mission outreach programs. In addition, the church often has a free food giveaway from 12-2 p.m. on the third Thursdays. Call (828) 389-4777 or check the church calendar for details: https://hayesvillefreewill.org.
Hayesville First United Methodist provides a free community meal and fellowship in the Gathering Place from 4:30-6 p.m each Wednesday. This ministry is open to all members of the community and beyond. The church is at 989 U.S. 64 Business in downtown Hayesville. Visit: Hayesvillefirst.org or like the church on Facebook.
Thanksgiving Share and Care hosts a free community Thanksgiving dinner for anyone in the area to walk up or drive through at Main Street USA in downtown Murphy. First responders are invited to eat from 10-11 a.m., then the meal is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Started by Clay County resident Annie Lloyd and her family several years ago, the event is now co-sponsored by Rotary Club of Murphy and Reach of Cherokee and Graham Counties. To volunteer or donate, contact Cecilia Crawford-Faulkner at: (828) 837-2097. Donations may also be dropped by Carroll House Apartments between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of Thanksgiving week.
If your group has a community meal or food giveaway we have overlooked, send details to: news@claycountyprogress.com.