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COLUMBUS—Thermal Belt Outreach, located at 134 White Dr., has recently unveiled a set of improvements and changes to its food pantry to better serve the community’s needs. 

Outreach is transitioning to a market-style client-choice food pantry, where those who qualify can select the food and products they prefer for their households. The revamped pantry will feature a shopping experience complete with grocery carts, promoting a sense of dignity and choice for those who utilize its services. 

Pantry Operations Manager Cliff Cameron says his first year at Outreach Polk has been an amazing experience. 

“The excitement and energy from our staff, volunteers, and community are extremely inspiring,” he said. “I am eager about the future of Outreach. I am proud to say I am a part of something very special.”

The pantry allows visitors to shop monthly for one to one-and-a-half weeks’ worth of groceries, ensuring they leave with the ingredients necessary to prepare the meals they enjoy. 

“We welcome Polk County neighbors into our food market, and our staff and volunteers serve our community daily with kindness and compassion,” Cameron adds. “Moving to a more food market approach is part of our plan to try and normalize the experience here at Outreach.”

Executive Director Margot Carter emphasized the organization’s mission. 

“Outreach is passionate about the fight to end hunger, and we believe everyone should have access to nourishing food,” she said.

The selections available at the pantry include fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, eggs, breads, and shelf-stable and non-perishable items, as well as condiments, sauces, salad dressings, and spices.

A vital partnership with MANNA Food Bank enables Outreach to receive large-scale donations and purchase food in bulk at a significantly reduced price. Through this collaboration, Outreach benefits from daily donations from Food Lion and weekly contributions from Polk County Dollar General stores. Additionally, monetary donations allow Outreach to broaden its selection by purchasing food from local grocery stores.

Thanks to the generosity of local foundations, including Gateway Wellness Foundation, Polk County Community Foundation, and The Community Foundation of Western NC, Outreach offers several food-related programs, like partnering with Meals on Wheels to send special food packages to homebound seniors each month. Each package includes an Outreach brochure featuring instructions for seniors requiring additional programs and services.

Another program, Backpack Snacks, provides food to Polk County students facing food insecurity, ensuring they have access to healthy snacks over the weekends, and the EATS program offers food packages with recipes and all necessary ingredients to prepare four meals. Clients can pick up EATS packages weekly, as they are available.

For more information, visit tboutreach.org.