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CHARLOTTE — People who used to come to Catholic Social Services' food pantries were given pre-packed grocery bags filled with items they may or may not have used, and they had little choice in selecting what they really needed.

That is no longer the case.

CSS has launched an initiative called "Providing Food With Dignity," enabling people to choose the foods they want when they come to the food pantry and empowering them to make healthier choices that better match their needs – a shift in philosophy that emphasizes their human dignity.

"The new process lets people create their own selections, in all of our offices in the diocese," said Sharon Davis, area director of the CSS Charlotte Regional Office. "Our clients receive a sheet with the items that are in stock and they can check off the items they can use."

This shift from handing out food to giving people a choice also helps the Catholic agency, the local arm of Catholic Charities, be better stewards of the donated food and resources it receives.

Since January, more than 1,300 families have come to the CSS food pantries in Charlotte, Winston-Salem and Asheville to receive food aid. CSS has distributed more than 87,500 pounds of food at these three pantries.

According to a Gallup survey, the three pantries serve some of the neediest areas in the country. Winston-Salem ranks third, Asheville ranks seventh and Charlotte ranks 43rd among U.S. cities whose people cannot afford to feed themselves or their families.

"We're seeing a rise in large families coming in for food – households of six to 10 people, multiple family members moving in together to make ends meet," Davis said. "We've seen a rise in the elderly population, too – people aged 75 or above who need food."

Even with donations from churches and others across the diocese, CSS still has to buy some of the food it needs. Since February, CSS has bought weekly food supplies from Second Harvest Metrolina Food Bank at 16 cents per pound.

The improvements are really making an impact on the families they help, she noted. "Our clients are so appreciative. They are amazed that we are asking them what they would like. It has been very well received."

Pantry has critical need

The CSS Food Pantry welcomes assistance from churches, groups and individuals around the diocese. Help is needed with conducting food drives, donating funds to help buy food, and volunteering to help stock the food pantries. Donations of refrigerators are also needed to store refrigerated foods.

A CSS representative can come to your church, school or organization to conduct a workshop about "Providing Food With Dignity."

Contact Sharon Davis at 704-370-3218 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

-- SueAnn Howell, staff writer