Each and every day for 43 years, Shepherd’s Table has provided a hot and fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner to hundreds of those most in need. It was founded in 1983 by 15 local congregations who were determined that no one in their community should go hungry. Imagine over two million meals served and never missing a one.
The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation’s recent Nourishing our Neighbors grant of $3,000 to Shepherd’s Table comes at a crucial time of the year.
“We are ecstatic about the donation and the focus on freshness especially in the Summer when the craving for fresh fruit and vegetables increases,” said Daniella Burgos, Shepherd’s Table Director of Development and Communications. “The dollar donation at one time allows us to buy more in bulk from our farmers and local partners to be cost effective. This will allow us to purchase about a month’s worth of fresh products with the Food Lion award.”
Shepherd’s Table also provides the resource of being a cooling center. Their proximity to other cooling centers in the area increases the numbers of those looking for help as the heat rises. Services also include a Resource Center for transportation assistance, housing referral, toiletries, mail, a free eye clinic and clothing closet. The newest additions include an advocacy program that empowers guests to share their lived experiences with policymakers and community leaders and a Culinary Skills Training Program, a workforce development initiative for our meal guests and neighbors.
Given the increasing needs for families and individuals, Burgos knows the importance of planning and support. “We couldn’t provide four to five hundred meals a day without the 3,000 plus volunteers who show up with such great dedication. We see the need for an evolving strategic plan involving our partners, advocates, farmers and the community to meet what’s ahead and ensure everyone gets fed.”
The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation is supporting fresh focused initiatives over their 10-state footprint of stores. Since its inception in 2001, the Foundation has awarded more than $25 million in grant funding to help nourish communities with fresh food.
