The Sunday Supper Introduces New Organization
To Support Restaurants and Address Hunger
On September 14th Now Serving, a nonprofit that matches restaurants with community-based organizations (CBOs) to provide healthy meals to hungry residents, has launched in Raleigh. Through Now Serving, restaurants integrate community meals into their operations and connect with CBOs to enable efficient distribution. The organization’s mission is to strengthen communities through food service.
Arising from The Sunday Supper, an organization formed in 2016 to help families and businesses devastated by Hurricane Matthew, Now Serving started a pilot program in 2022, delivering more than 18,000 meals to Raleigh residents.
“The Sunday Supper’s vision was to bring people together around a common table to help those in need,” said Jesma Reynolds, Now Serving Board Chair. “During the pandemic, we reconsidered how to use the gift of hospitality to serve our community in more direct ways. Learning about the work being done by Rethink Food in New York and Sunny Gerhart closer to home at St. Roch, we were compelled to hire an Executive Director to help us build out this new model of empowerment.”
Photo: New Bethel Food Pantry, credit May Caudillo
“Now Serving is creating a network of nourishment across the region by connecting local restaurants with organizations on the frontlines of community support,”said Executive Director Greg Lowenhagen. “Too many people are hungry and too many restaurants are closing; we’re taking a fresh approach to the issue.”
Photo: Meals leaving PoshNosh for Meals on Wheels – Credit May Caudillo
Through a partnership between Now Serving and Meals on Wheels of Wake County, Meals on Wheels now distributes two weekend supplements from PoshNosh Catering to more than 320 recipients. This is the first time weekend meals have been added to Meals on Wheels’ well-known weekday lunches.
“Our seniors really look forward to these meals. Not only do they provide additional food security for our homebound clients, but they also love having restaurant quality meals,” explained Stephanie Thurm, Assistant Director of Program Services at Meals on Wheels.
Upcoming:
Now Serving’s “Sunday Supper” will partner with St. Roch Fine Oysters & Bar on Sunday, September 25th.
Owner and Chef Sunny Gerhart welcomes James Beard Foundation “Best Chef Southeast” Winner Chef/Owner Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint for a collaborative dinner in support of Now Serving and Gerhart’s history of serving the community through meals to those experiencing food insecurity. Proceeds from the September 25th dinner will support Now Serving. Reserve at RESY for $75/person ticket offering a multi-course family style meal. Reserve here: Book Your St. Roch Fine Oysters & Bar Reservation Now on Resy
How to Support?
Donate to Now Serving by visiting a “Meal Funder” restaurant partner. Larger donations are given to a fund at the North Carolina Community Foundation—please contact info@nowservingnc.org for more info.
Meal Funders – Restaurants supporting community meals
- St Roch – Chef/Owner Sunny Gerhart invites guests to support Now Serving at the end of the meal
- Mandolin – Chef/Owner Sean Fowler donates proceeds from Skillet Cornbread served daily
- Hummingbird – Chef/Owner Coleen Speaks donates proceeds from the Hummingbird Fizz Cocktail
Meal Makers – Restaurants preparing community meals
- PoshNosh Catering, Chef/Owner Coleen Speaks
- HUBB Kitchens, Owner Jason Johnson
- Ladyfingers, Chef/Owner Tudi Jackson
CBOs – Community-Based Organizations distributing community meals
- Meals on Wheels of Wake County
- New Bethel Food Pantry
- The Women’s Center
- Brentwood Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County
ABOUT NOW SERVING
Now Serving pairs community-based organizations (CBOs) with restaurants to provide healthy meals to neighbors in need. With our resources, restaurants integrate community meals into their operations and connect with trusted partners to enable efficient distribution. Our vision is a sustainable support system to uplift residents across North Carolina and the South. Follow Now Serving @NowServingNC and www.nowservingnc.orgDon
