Archived News

United Christian Ministries dedicates newest pantry addition

United Christian Ministries of Jackson County held an open house on Wednesday, June 15, to formally dedicate the pantry addition and to allow local community agencies to tour the facility. The food pantry is 100% staffed by volunteers who work with two staff members, Karen Johnson (Executive Director) and Joyce Pope (Director of Outreach). 

Agencies were able to tour both sections of the pantry. The first section contains dried goods, shelf-stable foods, diapers, paper products and toiletry items. The newest part of the pantry was added in 2021, and contains all the refrigerators and freezers, as well as the fresh fruits and vegetables. Attendees learned about UCM’s partnership with WalMart and Food Lion, who donate fresh foods each week to UCM. UCM also receives food donations from churches, local farms, and individuals. They also purchase food from MANNA and local suppliers. Food is distributed to Jackson County residents in need. In 2021, over 76,000 pounds of food was given out.

United Christian Ministries provides food pantry, personal items and financial assistance to Jackson County residents in need. Their mission is to be a voice for and a help to people with urgent physical, economic, social, or spiritual needs. More information on UCM is available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and at www.ucmhelp.com.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.