Richlands nonprofit aims to feed students over the summer

RICHLANDS — Overflow Cafe, a Richlands-based nonprofit, is aiming to provide at least 35 food-insecure students with breakfast, lunch and snacks while schools are closed for summer.

The students will be selected by school social workers, who will then share a form with caregivers in order to coordinate delivery by volunteers.

“Many area programs do a great job feeding children on the weekends through the school year. We felt a nudge to fill the gap between when schools close their doors for summer break and cafeterias reopen for the next school year,” said Amanda Humphrey, director of the nonprofit.

School social workers at Richlands-area schools as well as Chinquapin and Beulaville elementaries will select the students to receive the assistance.

Overflow is seeking local businesses and organizations to partner in feeding these students. So far, 16 students have been sponsored. Century 21 Champion Real Estate, City Harvest Church Richlands and Bethlehem Original Free Will Baptist Church of Fountaintown are also partners in the effort. Collection drives and monetary donations are welcome.

“We would love to be able to further our reach with this program if partners are available. Hundreds of bags of food go home each weekend for students, however, the need doesn’t go away just because schools close for summer. As a community, it’s up to all of us to make sure even our youngest neighbors have the food they need,” Humphrey said.

Overflow’s primary effort is the Blessing Shed where area residents who need a helping hand can pop by and select what they need, no questions asked. In March, 330 people visited the white shed found at 111 Kinston Hwy. in Richlands. It is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm.

Those who would be interested in joining the effort should contact Overflow by email at overflowcafenc@gmail.com or by phone at 910-375-9503. Monetary donations can be made at OverflowCafeNC.com or mailed to Overflow Cafe, P.O. Box 70, Richlands NC 28574. We also have cashapp: $overflowcafe and PayPal and Venmo, both of which are @overflowcafenc.