LENOIR, NC (October 10, 2016)…As the annual observance of Hunger Action Month closes in September, Caldwell County Yokefellow reminds everyone that hunger continues to be an issue for our neighbors. 2015 Census Data on Poverty indicates that 1 in 5 US children is living in poverty. The National child food insecurity rate is 20.9%, our NC state child food insecurity rate is 24.6% and Caldwell County’s child food insecurity rate is 27.5%. Overall, the National food insecurity rate is 15.4% and Caldwell County’s overall food insecurity rate is 15.9%.
These are not numbers to boast. Yokefellow finds these numbers to be completely unacceptable and works each and every day to provide healthy, nutritious foods from their pantry and from the kitchen at LEOS.
“Empty Bowls: Feeding Our Neighbors” encourages artists and groups to create and donate bowls, local chefs to prepare their delicious signature soups and breads, then serve a simple meal. Founded in 1990-91 by a Michigan community to raise charitable funds, Empty Bowls has since become a synonymous event in support of hunger efforts. Guests choose a bowl that day to keep as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. In exchange for the meal and the handcrafted bowl, guests will pay a suggested donation of $25 each. One hundred percent of the October 22nd meal proceeds are designated in support of the Yokefellow food pantry program.
Yokefellow’s event has a twofold purpose:
* Raise as much money as possible to feed the community’s hungry people. Lives are in the balance.
* Increase awareness of hunger and related issues. Through education, awareness, and action, concerned individuals can change human attitudes that allow hunger to exist in our very midst.
This event is being held Saturday, October 22nd, 11am-2pm and you can drop in anytime at the new William Lenoir Middle School, 1366 Wildcat Trail, in Lenoir. Information is available on the event Facebook page, tickets are available from any Yokefellow Board member and at Yokefellow 1602, Harper Avenue in Lenoir. Call 754-7088 for more information.