Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry, Inc., in Jackson County, held its annual meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Officers and the Board of Directors discussed the budget, reports, amendment of bylaws and the appointment of new officers.
Reports
In his executive director’s report, President Larry Morris said the board needs to explore alternative food sources due to the phasing out of federal food distribution programs. He also highlighted a positive shift in atmosphere at the pantry.
“We feel like this is worthwhile, and I think that tends to make people come to appreciate what we do a little bit more,” said Larry Morris.
“They [church volunteers] felt very welcomed and a part of it, and they feel like it’s a very positive place to volunteer,” added Secretary Betty Morris.
Larry Morris also outlined Procurement Director Bill Fehr’s findings, noting that Fishes and Loaves’ primary food sources in 2025 were Manna, Ingles, Cashiers Farmers Market and private donations. He added that while overall food availability remains stable, the Emergency Food Assistance Program’s (TEFAP) supply continues to dwindle, resulting in a significant reduction in dairy, eggs and meat in the organization’s monthly allotments. However, Cashiers Farmers Market and Ingles have helped fill those gaps.
“This has been really significant because it allows us to offer fresh fruit and quality produce,” Betty Morris said. “It’s really been appreciated.”
Stanley Odum, treasurer and chair of the financial policy committee, said the committee met with Todd Holder of Edward Jones to review its investment portfolio. Odum said the portfolio increased by $274,770.22 from December 2024 to December 2025, posting a 13.05% annual rate of return.
Vice President Phillip Jackson shared his inventory report, noting that TEFAP, a USDA funded federal program, is becoming increasingly unreliable. He said Fishes and Loaves will need to establish a baseline inventory level for core items to better monitor shortages and order more efficiently. He added that overstocking was kept under control in 2025 and that the new discount rack has been successful.
Peter Hall, who specializes in grants, said the pantry has seen an increase in grants from private individuals and families, totaling 43% of all grants in 2025. He also said 78% of grants received in 2025 were unsolicited and did not require proposals.
“The largest grant we’ve received from a club or foundation was $25,000 from the North Carolina Community Foundation,” said Hall. “We also received two $20,000 donations — one from a Friend’s foundation and one from the Cashiers Cares Community Fund of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.”
Cashiers Clergy
During Holy Week, the Cashiers Clergy typically donates their received offerings to a single nonprofit. This year, Fishes and Loaves will be the recipient, and the initiative will include a canned food campaign.
Approval of new members
Larry Morris proposed Matt Schultz and Chuck Self as at-large members to the board, and the motion passed unanimously.
The board also voted on the annual appointment of officers and unanimously approved the designation of Larry Morris as executive director, Stanley Odum as treasurer, Bill Fehrs as procurement director and Marvetta Mills as Bookkeeper.
Bylaws and budget
The first changes to the board’s bylaws since 2010 were unanimously approved as amended. The 2026 budget was also approved unanimously.
- Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com