"Our mission at The Food Nest is to nourish individuals and communities by providing convenient and delicious weekly to-go meals, while also ensuring access to a 24/7 outdoor food pantry. We believe that everyone deserves nutritious food options, regardless of their circumstances. Through our dedication to quality, accessibility, and community support, we strive to empower and uplift those in need, fostering a sense of belonging and well-being. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future, one meal at a time."
Our Programs
Trims and Tales Program
Thanks to the generous time donation from local hair stylist Kay Kee from Old Fort and Tammy Nanney, we now offer families a voucher if a child is between the ages of 4 and 15, and needs a haircut. The only catch is that the children or the parent must read a book to the stylist while they are getting the hair cut. Books are donated by local community members. This program will help provide a haircut and promote literacy among children regardless of age. If a child cannot read or has a disability they still get a free book. Families can have 2 haircuts per year. They must have a signed card, and provide the card to Kay/Tammy at the time of the appointment. Referrals are taken from schools, DSS, and local facilities. We are proud of this program.
Christmas Program
Adopt A Bear- is our annual program to help
families in need to provide Christmas
gifts to children ages 0 to 5.
Families fill out an application online, by email or online.
We begin taking donations in July of each year
to try and meet the needs of our families.
Applications start October of each year. Bear Closet Provided 183 families with gifts for children in 2023.
Infant and Toddler Program
We offer multiple items free of charge to families. Items listed below are normally what we have in stock. All inventory is subject to what we have on hand. We do offer carseats.
Inventory
Diapers
Childrens OTC Medication
Wipes
Hygiene products
Baby equipment
Clothing sizes NB to 7.
Baby food
Formula
Kits For Kindness Program
At Bear Closet, we believe that all young individuals should never be held back from reaching their full potential. However, low body confidence and anxieties over appearance keep young people from being their best selves, affecting their health, friendships, and even performance at school. Our kits to help ease the anxieties for families who cannot afford to purchase everyday products such as deodorants, body sprays, body wash, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, tooth brush, ChapStick, and mouth wash. We also carry feminie hygiene products.
Vitamin Program
Sponsored by The Prescription Pad Of Marion
( The program is offered at the Prescription Pad of Marion and Burnsville. )
Adults and Seniors.
Families can pick up vitamins for children over the age of 2 at The B.E.A.R Closet ( or the pharmacy) and each month may take the bottle to the Prescription Pad Of Marion for a refill free of charge. This program started with the Prescription Pad. They also have vitamins for seniors at the pharmacy. We are thankful for this partnership to provide essential vitamins to our families in need. For more information on this program please call 828-652-9727.
Medical Evaluation Program
https://www.callondoc.com/en/bearclosetofmarion
Call On Doc is partnering with the B.E.A.R. Closet to offer a limited number of free visits to individuals who do not have insurance and need access to care. All other visits by clicking our link are discounted to 25.00. Individuals can get care right from their own home.