447 Pounds of Love and Nourishment
What an incredible day of service! More than 45 adults, youth, and children came together with boundless energy, laughter, and teamwork to assemble over 500 snack packs for Second Harvest Food Bank. In just 30 minutes, our community buzzed like busy bees—setting up, packing, and cleaning up with enthusiasm that never waned (thanks in part to the pizza and desserts!).
Every snack pack has now been delivered, weighing in at 447 pounds of love and nourishment. What a remarkable accomplishment. Thank you to every helper who made this possible!
Did You Know?
The MPBC Legacy Behind Second Harvest
Second Harvest Food Bank carries a legacy rooted right here at Myers Park Baptist Church. The organization traces its beginnings to MPBC member Ann Robertson Smith, whose deep compassion and determination set the foundation for what is now one of the most impactful food rescue and hunger relief programs in our region.
In 1988, inspired by a food recovery initiative in Kentucky, Ann began contacting local restaurants with a simple but powerful request: donate unused food to feed Charlotte’s hungry. Her vision quickly took shape as North Carolina Harvest, launched with the help of friends, family, and co‑workers who personally delivered meals to the Men’s Shelter.
What started as a grassroots effort grew into an influential movement—one that eventually became part of Second Harvest Food Bank, feeding millions each year. Ann’s creativity and persistence empowered countless volunteers to save tons of food that would have otherwise gone to waste. Her extraordinary impact was formally recognized on March 27, 1990, when Mayor Sue Myrick proclaimed Ann R. Smith Day in her honor.
But Ann’s legacy reaches far beyond her pioneering hunger‑relief work. She was:
- One of the first women Deacons at MPBC
- A devoted member of the Fidelis Bible Study Group
- A lifelong nurse and anesthetist who served at Charlotte Memorial, Lincolnton, Mercy, and Presbyterian Hospitals
- A mentor, tutor, teacher, host to exchange students, and a safe haven to those in need
Above all, Ann is remembered as a deeply loving mother whose passion for faith, family, nature, education, sewing, and travel continues to inspire her children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren.
Because of Ann’s legacy—and because of your hands and hearts—our church continues to help feed our neighbors with compassion, joy, and purpose. Thank you for being part of this beautiful story of service.