The Carolina Panthers and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) are teaming up to "sack hunger" by delivering meals to underserved areas of Charlotte through the Panthers Neighborhood Kitchen program.
The program will consist of six different meal distributions in some of Charlotte's highest-need neighborhoods. Each event will distribute 300 individual prepared meals, all of which are chef specialties from three locally-owned, African American catering companies/chefs – Curbeam Cuisines (Chef Jeremy), Jimmy Pearls and Maiya Cooks (Chef Maiya).
Meals will be served from a Panthers-branded service trailer and will include a Panthers Legend alumni player and team mascot Sir Purr to provide an additional uplift for meal recipients.
The Panthers are collaborating with community partners The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Charlotte and Charlotte Black Owned for the program.
"The Carolina Panthers are grateful for the partnership and support of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and Charlotte Black Owned to provide critical meal service to some of our community's most fragile neighborhoods and families in need," said Riley Fields, Carolina Panthers Director of Community Relations. "It is our hope that beyond providing a substantial meal, the Panthers Neighborhood Kitchen program will also provide an uplifting experience for children and families."
Events will be closed to the general public, and a limited number of vouchers will be distributed to the various communities. A voucher is required to exchange for a meal.
The kickoff event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
"Blue Cross NC is honored to have the opportunity to work with the Panthers to let communities in Charlotte know we're committed to helping them through this difficult time," said Reagan Greene Pruitt, vice president of marketing and community engagement at Blue Cross NC. "Improving food security is one of our highest priorities in our mission to improve the health and well-being of all North Carolinians."
