by: Claire Kostmann, digital intern

“Greenville is a very generous town”, says Savannah Porter, Associate Director at Project Host, founded in 1981 (located 525 S. Academy St). “People really want to help their community."

What do they do?

The Soup Kitchen offers a balanced and nutritious meal six days a week (not on Saturday).
Hundreds of volunteers offered their time and energy in preparing and serving 38,889 meals in 2017.
The garden and the greenhouse provide food for the programs (fresh kale, squash or herbs). It also serves as a teaching place.

Who do they help?

The CC Pearce Culinary School is an 11-week program to prepare unemployed or underemployed people to get a job in the food industry. The program is offered free of charge to those in need. The students develop their skills by cooking meals for Cooking for Kids.
Cooking for Kids provides snacks and meals supper for 500 children/day and also breakfast during summer (99,000 meals served in 2017).

How can we help?

This non-profit organization is always happy to see new volunteers (for the Soup Kitchen, sign up here). You can also help with financial support. Project Host runs on donations from private people, churches, fundraising (see the BBQ Cook-off event below), garden sales or community dinners.
Each month, you can participate in the community dinner: 3-course meals cooked by the students of the Culinary School. Beverages are provided by The Community Tap.
If you have a sweet tooth, you can order a bakery box filled with treats including scones, muffins, loaf bread, and an additional sweet treat ($25/month, available for pick up the third Thursday of the month, 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.) To order your box, email orders@projecthost.org.

What should you not miss?

The 9th BBQ Cook-off & Festival on Friday, April 27th (6 - 10 p.m.) and Saturday 28th (11 a.m. - 4 p.m.) by the Reedy River at 320 S. Hudson Street. This event will not only include an "Anything Butt BBQ" competition, a Barbecue and Rib Cooking contest, but also a great family entertainment including live music, food vendors, beverages, and games for kids. Admission is free and tasting tickets are sold at the festival. All proceeds benefit Project Host (If you want to help, sign up as a volunteer here)