What gives you new hope?
For California Fresh Catering, providing nourishing meals to food insecure neighbors has given them hope.
During the pandemic, when weddings and events were called off, California Fresh pivoted the pandemic – moving from catering events to partnerships with local agencies, businesses, other nonprofits and organizations. churches to provide food to underserved people in Davie County.
As of January 1, what was once California Fresh Catering (CFC) changed its name to Fresh Hope.
From April 2020, Fresh Hope began preparing hot meals to take to organizations that could share them with those they knew could use a hot meal.
“Fresh Hope was just that, a new hope for the town of Cooleemee. Because of their willingness to work together, we have been able to provide free community meals at The Bridge @ 197Main for almost a year now, ”said Reverend Darren Crotts, pastor of Smith Grove Methodist Church.
“We have so appreciated their willingness to go the extra mile as we continue to develop new food opportunities in the community. The food they provide has enabled us to form meaningful relationships in the community in the name of Jesus Christ.
“Partnering and developing cooperative relationships with like-minded people and organizations has been very inspiring and impactful,” said FH’s Volunteer Manager.
New hope initially provided meals for Just Hope and Family Promise, and expanded to serve The Bridge @ 197 Main in Cooleemee and Cooleemee Elementary School as well as a number of families in Mocksville and Cooleemee.
“Fresh HOPE has been a great partner in allowing us to serve nutritious meals several times a week to those who are going through a crisis and who would not otherwise have them,” said Krystal Dumas of Just Hope. It allows us to give hope in a way that fills the stomach and the soul at the same time.
Sherry McKnight, the school counselor at Cooleemee Elementary, shared the story of a young boy who enthusiastically held a sack of grapes. “Look at Miss Sherry, I have some fresh grapes for lunch.”
A mom shared her joy at finding cupcakes available at the Bridge @ 197 Main Food Market because her child’s birthday was the next day.
Fresh Hope volunteers thank all community partners who donate food: Publix to Clemmons, Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods, Food Lion and WR Vernon Produce. Fresh Hope offers up to 400 ready meals per week in addition to other fresh groceries.
The Publix front desk manager shared how good it was to feel that their surplus food was going to families in need. Harris Teeter’s weekly gift cards allow Fresh Hope to further expand their services in Davie County and WR Vernon regularly supplies a range of fresh fruits and vegetables that enhance prepared meals and offer plenty of choices for the markets.
Fresh Hope is just getting started with the motto: “Neighbors Serving Neighbors”.
There are opportunities for anyone at Davie who wants to join the team. If your specialty is slicing and dicing, join the food prep team. Do you like to drive? Join our team of deliverers or fundraising. Financial contributions are also welcome.
Contact Julia at [email protected] or call (336) 413-2701.
