Neighbors Feeding Neighbors

When Alan and Amy Hoilman founded Neighbors Feeding Neighbors in Mitchell County, it was with one goal in mind: to treat their neighbors like they would want to be treated themselves.

In 2018, a series of unexpected life events reminded the Hoilmans of a time earlier in their marriage when they needed support with basic necessities. This time around, however, they were the ones extending a helping hand. They decided to turn their living room into a food pantry, which they quickly outgrew as word got out.

“There are four things that guide all of our work,” Alan shares. “Love, kindness, compassion and prayer. We prayed to find a space and the resources to meet the needs of our community.”

Their prayers were answered when a fellow community member donated a building and, to Alan’s surprise, a barn, which together provide plenty of room for shared community meals, donations, and a store that supports their outreach ministry. This past year alone, Neighbors Feeding Neighbors provided more than 690,000 pounds of food through their pantry, community meals, and healthy food boxes.

The Hoilmans have a saying, “The first time you meet us, you’re a visitor; the second time, you’re family.” When folks arrive on their doorstep, they often have more than one need. Alan and Amy have found themselves giving away not only the shirt off their back but also their shoes, tools, furniture, and firewood – whatever they can give. “People here have lived to learn with almost nothing,” Alan explains.

The Healthy Opportunities Pilot is helping them meet more of these needs for individuals living in Michell and surrounding counties. Through HOP, Neighbors Feeding Neighbors can now provide transportation to a community meal, the grocery store and other health-related activities. They can also assist with badly needed home repairs and modifications that are critical for the health and wellbeing of many of their neighbors like Jessica.

After leaving an abusive relationship, Jessica moved with her children into a home that was overrun with pests and lacked reliable water. Her children were falling ill frequently, and she was beginning to feel as broken as the pipes in her home. She was surprised to learn that, as a Medicaid managed care member, she might qualify for assistance through the Healthy Opportunities Pilot.