By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
Food may be an important part of most holiday celebrations, but for those on tight budgets, holiday food may not be affordable. Turkey, ham and all the fixings can come with an uncomfortable price tag. Fortunately, Clay County has several year-round options for those who need some help sometimes.
For more than 30 years, the Clay County Food Pantry has provided food for Clay County residents. Their purpose as listed on their website “is to aid families and individuals in our community who suffer from hunger by providing food assistance, and to make referrals for other assistance, without reference to ethnic or racial origins, religious, political or social beliefs.”
An average of 533 families a month have been served during the last five years, with an average of 7,600 boxes of food distributed per year. The Clay County Food Pantry is open for residents of Clay County, who live below the North Carolina poverty income level. Because people’s circumstances change, periodic documentation is required.
During the holidays, every effort is made to provide patrons with the makings for a complete holiday meal. Sometimes, it may be a canned ham, while others may be a chicken or turkey. Anyone who would like to volunteer or has questions about whether they qualify may connect in one of several ways. Call (828) 389-1657; complete an online form at: https://www.claycountyfoodpantry.org or stop by. The Clay County Food Pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Friday at 2278 Hinton Center Road.
In addition, a Brasstown location recently began serving residents. Thanks to a collaboration between the Clay County Food Pantry, Matt’s Ministry, Brasstown Community Center and local volunteers, a pantry is set up biweekly at the Brasstown Community Center. The Brasstown Community Center is located at 255 Settawig Rd. Contact The Clay County Food Pantry for the current schedule.
Clay County’s other regular food pantry is Matt’s Ministry, named for the late Matt Butler and his spirit of grace for everyone. Matts Ministry serves around 150 families or about 400 people every week. Patrons may return every week between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. each Saturday, if necessary. According to Maggie Butler, patrons walk through the food pantry and pick any items they want for their family. Matt’s Ministry always has staples such as pantry items, cereal, canned fruit and vegetables, rice, beans, macaroni and cheese and peanut butter. In addition, a variety of fresh produce, frozen meat, breads and sweets and eggs are available.
Butler said Matt’s Ministry will have its normal fare for Thanksgiving and Christmas. “We will not have anything special for Thanksgiving or Christmas because Clay County does a great job providing the entire meal,” she said.
They can always use more volunteers, as well as funds to purchase goods for Matt’s Ministry. “If someone wants to volunteer, just show up.” Butler smiled. “We can use help any Saturday during 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.” Matt’s Ministry is located at 129 W.J. Cabe Road. Visit: www.mattsministry.org or call (828) 361-9083 for details.
Hayesville First Freewill Baptist Church also has a free food distribution ministry for Clay County. Once monthly, from 12-2 p.m. on the third Thursday, the church offers canned goods and dry goods. Produce and baked goods are sometimes available, but no refrigerated foods. The church’s website explains, “You may pick the items you want and we offer assistance to carry it to your car. We usually set up outside, but on bad climate days we do set up inside the lobby of the church.”
First Freewill does not have pre-packaged boxes; however, they will provide an emergency food box for an urgent situation, such as a house fire. Contact the church at (828) 389-4777 for assistance. Upcoming food distribution dates are Thursdays, Nov. 21, Dec. 19 and Feb. 20. First Freewill is at 259 Tusquittee Street. Visit: https://hayesvillefreewill.org.
A couple of blocks away, Hayesville First United Methodist Church hosts a free supper every week. From 4:30-6 p.m. every Wednesday, a free community meal and fellowship are provided in the Gathering Place. This ministry is open to all members of the community and beyond. Hayesville First United Methodist Church is at 989 U.S. 64 Business. Call (828) 389-8413 or visit: http://www.hayesvillefirst.org.