The Community Table served its first meal on August 12, 1999 in what was formerly a Sylva restaurant. The Table was founded on a shared vision to eliminate hunger in the Sylva community. Individuals, agencies and local churches throughout Jackson County linked resources to assist county residents who would otherwise lack nutritious meals.

Initial Community Table supporters included representatives from REACH (Resources, Education, Advocacy, Counseling, Housing) of Jackson County, the Jackson County Health Department, NC Cooperative Extension Services, St. David’s Episcopal Church, Lifeway Community Church, the Family Resource Center and Western Carolina University.

The Table started serving dinners because children usually get a balanced meal at school and many of the elderly are served by Meals on Wheels, said Linda Smith, founding Director.. “We want everyone to feel welcome; we want it to be like going to a neighbor’s kitchen and feeling comfortable having a cup of coffee. We are offering fellowship as well as food,” she said.

From the beginning, restaurants, grocers, farmers, and individuals have donated food, as well as their time and financial support. Grants have provided additional aid to Table operations. Support for Table operations continues to come from organizations as well as individuals, fund-raisers, and grants. Additionally, a garden is maintained each summer for the Table by Master Gardeners.

The Table is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Employees include a part-time Executive Director, a part-time Senior Aid/Kitchen Manager, and a part time Senior Aide, Kitchen Assistant. Churches, civic organizations, businesses and individuals throughout the community provide the volunteers needed to continue Table operations providing the help in the form of more than 60,000 volunteer hours.

In January 2005, we moved to our current address, 127 Bartlett Street. Thanks to the generosity and concern for our community, the Sylva Church of Christ has made available to The Community Table a house just across the street from their church building...rent free. It provides a facility for providing meals that is as close to a friendly home environment as you could ever want.

The Table serves 60 to 80 meals four evenings a week. Since opening six years ago, the Table has served over 100,000 hot meals The meals are served in a family restaurant atmosphere. Such an atmosphere is based on the founding philosophy of providing a safe, caring environment in which people can gather for fellowship, support, and nutritious meals.

In a county where 15 percent of the people live below the poverty level, 14 percent of families and 8 percent of individuals receive food stamps, and 43 percent of the children qualify for free or reduced school lunches, The Community Table fills a niche, helping to feed the food insecure.