Atrium Health, Washington Outreach Ministry expand food assistance

In a powerful demonstration of community spirit and compassion, more than 30 Atrium Health Cleveland teammates volunteered at Washington Outreach Ministry’s Nov. 17 drive-thru food pantry event in Shelby.

The health care professionals — including doctors, nurses and hospital leaders — worked side-by-side with food pantry staffers to combat hunger in Cleveland County. Atrium Health teammates unloaded food trucks, organized donated items and handed out over 400 care packages filled with fresh produce, frozen foods and other food staples.

“As health care professionals we listen, we care and we connect on a personal level with the families in the communities we serve,” said Dara Blanton, a nurse manager at Atrium Health Cleveland. “Volunteering at the food pantry is an extension of what we do every day.”

The volunteer effort underscores Atrium Health’s commitment to bringing healthy food options to Cleaveland County residents struggling with food insecurity. Earlier this month, Advocate Health, of which Atrium Health is a part, donated $1 million to food programs across the country, including funds for Washington Outreach, which serves an estimated 15,000 county residents every month.

“This donation and the extra help come at a critical time. The [food pantry] line seems to grow every time. It’s really pushing us to keep up,” said Rev. Frances Webber, Washington Outreach’s executive director. “My husband and I started Washington Outreach 30 years ago as a soup kitchen, and now 30 years later, there is more need than ever.”

On Oct. 17, Washington Outreach’s drive-thru food pantry distributed 275 food care packages. That number reached 400 food packages on Nov. 14.

Even with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, many Cleveland County residents — including children, seniors and veterans — struggle to put food on their tables. Across the Carolinas, more than 45% of people facing hunger may not qualify for SNAP due to income limits. More than 28% of children facing hunger may not qualify for free or reduced-price meals, according to Feeding the Carolinas.

“I am incredibly proud of our Atrium Health team for the compassion and dedication they continuously show in supporting our neighbors facing food insecurity,” said Veronica Poole-Adams, President of Atrium Health Cleveland. “Our commitment to addressing social drivers of health goes beyond medical care — it means partnering with our community to ensure everyone has access to nutritious foods, which are vital for maintaining good health and preventing chronic illness.”

Atrium Health’s commitment goes beyond financial support. The health system partners with Washington Outreach’s mobile health unit, which provides free screenings and wellness services for families in need throughout Cleveland County.

The volunteer effort at Washington Outreach is one of many teammate-driven food access initiatives taking place across the Advocate Health system — underscoring the organization’s role as a leading voice in addressing social drivers of health.