In the fall of 2008 employees of the Town of Waynesville saw a need for local food pantries to have food donations in the fall.

This began the Pack the Pantrycommunity food drive, as employees worked with local businesses to collect food for Haywood Christian Ministry to distribute to those in need. Pack the Pantryhas grown each year through increased community participation and the enthusiastic participation of the students at Hazelwood and Junaluska Elementary Schools.

In 2010 18 pickup truck loads of food were collected.But the drive really took off last year when town employees joined with Pisgah and Tuscola High Schools to promote a food drive competition the week of the infamous football game.

It’s simple: the school that collects the most food wins a Pack the Pantry trophy, and ...