Feed-a-Kid Program

As difficult as it may be to hear, hundreds of children in Polk County are not receiving enough food at home to grow and maintain a healthy body and mind. These children may experience chronic sickness and have behavioral problems (irritable, withdrawn, anxious, etc.). They may appear extremely thin, have puffy or swollen skin and have short attention span or inability to concentrate.

How our program works - 
Outreach purchases food and receives food donations for donors, volunteers and friends throughout the year. These food items are used by the Food Pantry in support of those in need including the Feed-A-Kid Program. Volunteers fill food bags on a weekly basis which are distributed to local schools that have identified a nutritionally at-risk child. The bags are placed in the child's locker during class hours in order to help protect the child's identity. 

There are several ways you can help:

• advocate for Outreach and spread the message of the need to serve this growing population
  
• become an Outreach Volunteer and join us in serving families in crisis
  
• make a financial contribution to support the work of Outreach; your gift will enable us to continue to serve Polk County children and others in need
  

To learn more about this program, contact Outreach 828-894-2988.

To enroll your child in this program, contact their school guidance counselor.

Summer Feed-a-Kid Program

During the summer, Outreach partners with local churches to deliver food weekly to Polk County children who qualify for free and reduced lunch during the school year. This program, led by Carolyne Rostick and the Congregational Church in Tryon, has grown each year - both by participating children and support. Churches contribute financially and take turns packing and delivering food each week to 169 children (63 families).  
Outreach extends heartfelt gratitude & appreciation to our Summer Feed-a-Kid partners - 

• Congregational Church of Tryon
• Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross in Tryon
• Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Saluda
• First Baptist Church of Tryon
• Tryon United Methodist Church
• Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

The Truth Seekers Sunday School Class at Melvin Hill Church also kindly contributed to this year's program.
​Many thanks to all!