FORT MILL, S.C. (CN2 NEWS) When Z Bakery and Cafe in Fort Mill had to close its doors for dine in due to COVID-19, the owners wanted to help those in need the best way they knew how to, through a meal.
Owner Trina Zimmerman says, “We did have the ability to go out into the community and make someone else’s load lighter and to help them feel loved and also that they were being checked on.”
Trina says instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they knew there were many others out there in need. They first started feeding nearly 2 dozen seniors on Bozman drive in Fort Mill after one of the residents, Dorthy reached out to them.
“It means a whole lot to all of us in here”, says Dorthy.
“We started bringing food out to them 3 to 4 times a week, kind of enough to feed them through out the week. Then we started seeing they needed cleaning supplies, a lot of them couldn’t leave because they are seniors and high risk. So we started feeding them everyday and bringing them cleaning supplies”, says Kirsten Zimmerman.
Kristen Zimmerman says she posted on social media and that’s when the support began. People started asking how they could help. Kristen says that’s when they create Community Meals Program.
“So we started bringing food all around and with that we were like well not only do we need to feed the community but we need to take care of our fellow small businesses”, says Kristen.
Kristen adds with donations coming in they also wanted to partner with other small businesses in Fort Mill.
“That was really good because people got to eat really good hot-fresh meals from different places”, says Kristen.
Now they are giving out from 30 to 70 meals a day. And the support doesn’t stop there.
Z Bakery and Cafe’s neighbors, First Baptist Church Fort hill stepped in to help deliver the community meals.
“We are suppose to be proclaiming Christ’s name and being His hands and feet. So this is a good way to get into our community and meet the people”, says Pastor Johnny Caruso.
“We have been supplied more than we could even begin to imagine. And I’m so grateful and thankful”, says resident Dennis Jones.
So far with the Community Meals Program Z Bakery and Cafe says on its Facebook page they have purchased 362 meals from local restaurants over the past two weeks and over the past 5 weeks delivered more than 1000 meals to local residents in need.
If you would like to help donate to the Community Cafe Program visit: https://my-site-zbakeryandcafe.square.site/community-meal.
