St. Andrew Parish serves local children

St. Andrew the Apostle Parish is providing weekend food bags to more than 60 children facing food insecurity at Mars Hill Elementary School. This program grew from the parish's role as an emergency relief center following Hurricane Helene, when it distributed food, water, and clothing to residents in Madison County.

The Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte Western Regional Office has joined the effort this school year by providing funding, supplemental food donations, and reusable bags. Jesse Boeckermann, a Western Region official for Catholic Charities, noted that partnering with rural parishes helps reach people who may struggle to travel to Asheville for assistance.

A group of approximately 10 parishioners, led by Vicki Fedor, prepares the food bags every Friday. St. Andrew the Apostle is the only Catholic church in Madison County and is led by Father Anthony Mbanefo, MSP, who also leads Sacred Heart parish in Burnsville.