Saturday, November 8th, from 11–2, Okra House — formerly Abadir’s — welcomed neighbors for a community lunch hosted by Greensboro resident Sara Cole, who works closely with Project Horseshoe Farm. With many families feeling the effects of recent SNAP reductions, the gathering offered not only a warm meal but also meaningful support for households navigating tighter food budgets.
Sara shared that for this meal, “we decided to take one extra step and make something by hand, something real and wholesome.” Volunteers prepared dishes crafted for both comfort and nourishment — food chosen with intention, meant to provide real energy and care.
The event came together thanks to volunteers from Project Horseshoe Farm, Auburn University Rural Studio, New Hope Baptist Church, Greensboro Presbyterian Church, First Methodist Church, and a wide host of community residents who generously offered their time. Their efforts transformed the afternoon into a true expression of Greensboro’s commitment to one another.
In addition to the meal, a community food pantry was available on-site, offering fresh produce and pantry staples for anyone who needed them. This ensured guests could leave not just with a full stomach, but with ingredients to continue preparing nutritious meals at home throughout the week.
For many adjusting to reduced SNAP benefits, access to balanced meals and basic groceries is becoming increasingly challenging. As Sara put it, the goal of the day was to provide “food that will give them sustenance, a meal that will last.”
The impact of reliable nutrition is profound. Nutritious foods support stronger immune function, improved chronic disease management, mental wellness, and overall resilience. When communities have access to wholesome food — consistently and without stigma — we see better long-term health outcomes.
Throughout the afternoon, neighbors shared tables, conversations, and a sense of ease. Sara’s guiding belief echoed through the space: “We all deserve to eat good food and to do so with dignity.”
Saturday’s lunch at Okra House stood as a reminder that community health begins far before someone enters a hospital. It starts with food, connection, and the collective care of neighbors looking out for one another.
