Newport Food Pantry in Dire Need

Tammy Blizzard, Director of The Matthew 25 Fund

Tammy Blizzard, Director of the St. James United Methodist Church Matthew 25 Fund, was the featured speaker at the November 19, 2012 meeting of the Newport Rotary Club. She informed the club of the dire need for food items for the less fortunate in the Newport community during the Holiday season. The pantry is bare.

The Matthew 25 Fund operates with the Thrift Shop at St. James as an independent 501(c)(3) charity that evaluates need and provides tangible emergency financial, food and clothing support for the less fortunate in the community. Proceeds from the Thrift Shop fund the "giving" part of the ministry. The organization also hosts monthly "Federal Food" giveaways. There is a loose "network" of churches and non-profits that work together to try to meet these needs. The Matthew 25 Fund is a key player in the Newport community and Carteret County.

While started by the church, the organization is independent, and is now a community wide endeavor. It accepts referrals from many sources.

Newport Rotary is planning its Food Drives now to support the Food Pantry during the holiday season.