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It’s been 10 years since the Feed-A-Kid Summer Program for Polk County was developed. In the first year, 60 families were delivered food. This year, money raised for Feed-A-Kid totaled $12,000, and 194 children from 84 families were served. FAK could have used even more funds because this is the largest number of children served in the history of the program. To feed all, some creativity at stretching the dollar was necessary.  

Participants in the program this year are members and friends from the Congregational Church (UCC) in Tryon, Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Tryon United Methodist Church, Tryon First Baptist Church, Columbus First Baptist Church, Transfiguration Episcopal Church in Saluda, Tryon Presbyterian Church, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and Outreach. 

For 10 summer weeks each Wednesday morning, food packing is done by teams at Outreach. This year, packing is communal, and anyone from a participating church can sign up online to pack.   This method has proven to generate much fellowship and camaraderie among the churches. 

On Thursday afternoons, families in need receive a weekly delivery of staples and fresh produce. One of six churches provides the delivery teams for 7 routes. 

Community Serving Community in Polk County…it’s all good.

To hear more about the Feed-A-Kid summer program, please contact Outreach at (828) 894-2988.  

Submitted by Ellen Harvey Zipf