How about a bit of good news?! Amidst the struggle, businesses and individuals are finding ways to lend helping hands and give back to the community. Here are a few of these latest in Charlotte.
Brown Bag provides food for those in need
Brown Bag was founded in Nashville, TN and opened in Ballantyne in 2018. In addition to their café offerings, they operate a program called Brown Bag Blessing. The intention is to bless a family or individual in need with a meal for 6 people or less at no cost. In response to COVID-19, they’re also offering 15% bulk orders (so you can stock up on proteins and sides) plus delivery on $75+ orders and a free kids meal with purchase of an adult meal.
#GiveBuyHi launches to support local families
Husband and wife team Derrick and Tanise started #GiveBuyHi to help displaced families. The three pillars are to “give” what you can, “buy” from local businesses, and say “hi” to neighbors by connecting on social media. The couple has currently raised over $3,000 and saved 30 individuals from motel evictions. Donate to their GoFundMe here and follow along on Instagram.
Local distilleries create hand sanitizer
Two Charlotte-area beverage purveyors are prioritizing safety and putting efforts in to make hand sanitizer. Doc Porter’s Distillery has already produced over 50 gallons of their product and plans to produce that much each week. The team at Unknown Brewing Company has had a distillery in the works for a while but is now focusing on hand sanitizer production. Their Good Hands product is now being shipped to suppliers and donated to hospitals in need.
Charlotte nurse launches #CLTSTRONG
Caroline Elliott, a nurse in the Queen City, is collecting funds to buy meals for the frontline. So far, she’s raised $57,000 which has led to 100 healthcare professionals fed daily. Several local businesses are now hosts of drop boxes to collect artwork and letters of thanks to send to these heroes. You can donate to Caroline’s efforts here.
Chef Shai Fargian uses 600 lb. of chicken for Passover meal
Chef Shai Fargian of YAFO Kitchen has spent the last four Passovers back home in Israel. Since he couldn’t make the trip this year, he did what chefs do: cook!
“We decided to bring my family food and share it with the community,” he said.
Chef Shai’s Passover meal feeds 4-6 people, and when he and his wife released the menu, they sold out of 160 meals very quickly. In addition to the 600 lb. of Springer Mountain Farms Chicken used in the pomegranate and honey-glazed rotisserie chicken dish, he used from the chicken to make 80 gallons (or 240 quarts) of matza ball chicken soup. He also went through 400 lb. of brisket.
Chef Shai and team have worked over 50 hours in the last three days to prep these meals. He is also donating meals to Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte.
Postponed Charlotte-Area Events
Were you looking forward to any of these local happenings? Mark your calendars for the rescheduled dates.
Untappd Beer Festival – TBD (Fall 2020)
Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend –
In-home Dinners: TBD
Restaurant Vintner Dinners: Thursday, October 15
Grand Tasting: Friday, October 16
The Grand Finale: TBD
Moo & Brew Festival – Saturday, September 19
Rich & Bennett St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl – Saturday, June 27
University City Wine Festival – September 16-20
