Dogwood Trust Funds Farm to Neighbor Program

An exciting new initiative of the Pop-Up Pantry, The Farm to Neighbor Program, has been

awarded a generous grant from the Dogwood Health Trust in Asheville. This grant enables the

Pantry to purchase produce and other farm products at the peak of flavor and nutrition directly

from local farmers and offer these nutrient dense choices to our guests. An educational

component of the program provides nutritional information focusing on the benefits of eating

fresh, local produce as well as recipes and menu suggestions.

The Pantry leadership developed this program to strengthen the health and welfare of the

Pantry guests, to provide a predictable market source for local farmers, and to increase the

sense of community interdependence between our residents and the farming traditions of our

area. Susan Casey, former owner of The Purple Onion, oversees The Farm to Neighbor

Program, drawing upon her extensive experience working with the local farming community

and developing delicious, healthy food options.

The addition of two new refrigerators from MANNA and a brand-new upright freezer donated

by a long-time supporter of the Pantry, as well as this grant from Dogwood Health Trust,

enabled the Pantry to expand to meet the needs of our neighbors after an unusual year.

Because of the hard work of our dedicated volunteers and the generous donations of local

churches, businesses, and residents, the Pantry provided groceries for over 44,000 meals for

local families during the first 19 weeks of 2021.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Pantry. If you are interested in joining this remarkable

team, please email saludapantry@gmail.com. Donations are always appreciated and can be

mailed to The Saluda Pop-Up Pantry, PO Box 428, Saluda NC 28773 or given using the PayPal

link on our website www.saludapantry.com.

Friends Sharing with Friends---All are Welcome!