The Corner Table Begins New Strategic Planning Process
The Corner Table, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing meals with compassion, respect, and dignity to those affected by hunger in Catawba County, is excited to announce the launch of a formal strategic planning process. This initiative will help define the direction of the organization over the next one to three years, focusing on its continued mission of serving the community.
Founded on January 8, 2002, The Corner Table has served thousands of meals to those in need through its Community Kitchen, frozen meal distribution, and weekend food bags for students. In 2024, the organization proudly reached a significant milestone by serving its one-millionth meal through the Community Kitchen. The demand for its services has continued to grow, with notable increases across all programs in 2024: a 10,000-meal increase in the kitchen’s output, a 63% rise in frozen meals served, and an additional 300 students served per week in the Backpack program.
In addition to their Community Kitchen, The Corner Table operates out of multiple facilities. The main location at 122 N Main Avenue in Newton is no longer sufficient to meet the growing needs, with the organization also renting additional storage space in Newton and operating the Backpack program out of a facility in Hickory. The leadership team has identified the need for a more centralized space to better serve their community and streamline their operations.
To address this need, The Corner Table has purchased a new property located at 201 E 8th Street in Newton. After careful consideration and meetings with contractors, the decision has been made to demolish the existing building on-site. The strategic planning process will guide what the new building will look like, with the goal of consolidating all the programs under one roof. Additionally, the organization is exploring other possibilities, including creating a community/events area, a vocational/educational center, and a temporary shelter for those in need.
As part of the planning process, The Corner Table is actively engaging the community through listening sessions to ensure that their future plans align with the needs of those they serve. The first phase of this process has already begun with a Stakeholder’s meeting and individual interviews with key partners. Additionally, a confidential survey will be available to the community from February 3rd to 14th. The survey can be accessed through The Corner Table’s social media pages and will be emailed to subscribers of the organization’s e-newsletter. To receive the survey by email, interested individuals must sign up at thecornertable.org by February 3rd.
“The Corner Table values being a part of this community,” said Summer Jenkins, Executive Director. “We know we are stronger when we work together, and we look forward to reading the responses from the survey. This is a great opportunity for our community to have a voice in shaping the future of our programs and services.”
For more information about The Corner Table’s strategic planning process or to participate in the survey, visit thecornertable.org or follow us on social media.
About The Corner Table:
The Corner Table is a non-profit organization in Catawba County, providing meals and resources to individuals and families experiencing hunger. Their programs include a Community Kitchen, frozen meal distribution, and the Backpack Program for students. The organization is dedicated to serving the community with compassion, respect, and dignity.