In Support of the Rebuilding Efforts in Jones County, NC
When Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina over several days in September, 2018, the wind and water took its toll, especially in the southeastern part of our state.
National news stations and weather folks descended on the larger cities and towns to report on the devastation. But in rural counties, few news stations, and no national news stations, showed up. No weather people stood braced against the wind. In Jones County, NC, they expected some wind and some rain. What they didn’t expect was river water invading their homes, businesses, and churches.
It came in like we’ve never seen before…It has never flooded like this before…It’s numbing.
Very few places required flood insurance, so very few people had flood insurance. The rebuilding will take a long time and a lot of money.
As Country As Cornbread Fundraiser
That’s where we come in. Vivian Howard of Chef & The Farmer and A Chef’s Life sold a limited edition tee shirt on her site, the proceeds of which go to the North Carolina Community Foundation to help the people rebuilding in Jones County. The tee shirt reads “Country as Cornbread.”
Building on that, we are selling an eCookbook we’re calling As Country As Cornbread, with recipes contributed by chefs, restaurateurs, and food writers around the Carolinas.
Who Contributed Recipes?
When we put out the call for recipes, our community came through!
Here are just a few of the recipes and contributors.
- Nathalie Dupree: Lacy Corn Fritters
- Spring Council: Blueberry Cornbread Muffins
- Sandra Gutierrez: Sandra’s Drunken Beans (Frijoles Borrachas)
- Clark Barlowe: Tut Barlowe’s Cornbread
- Susi Gott Séguret: Susi’s Jack Daniels-Infused Collards
And more! Chilis, soups, hoe cakes, and even a hushpuppy salad (think southern panzanella)!
In all, we have 19 contributors and 21 wonderful recipes for you, all for $14.95! And the best thing, aside from all the deliciousness? Knowing your money is going to a good cause.
The North Carolina Community Foundation
We are pleased to be giving all proceeds from the sale of As Country As Cornbread to the North Carolina Community Foundation, a statewide community foundation begun in 1988. Since its inception, NCCF has distributed more than $145 million in grants.
Per their website, an important component of NCCF’s mission is to ensure that rural philanthropy has a voice at local, regional and national levels.
We could think of no better organization to donate the proceeds of As Country As Cornbread to. They will work with the local affiliate, The Jones County Community Foundation, to make sure our donation makes the biggest impact.
Donate without Purchasing
You can donate money in any amount directly to the NCCF if you prefer not to purchase a book, or if you’ve already purchased a copy but would like to give more. Click the button below to go straight to the NCCF donation page.
Thank you so much for supporting our efforts, and we all hope you enjoy the recipes and put them into your rotation, whether for special meals or a weeknight supper. Every time you make one, please think of our fellow North Carolinians in Jones County as they rebuild their towns and their lives.
With Love and Gratitude,
Jamie Holcomb, Lynn Wells, and Jenni Field
Les Dames d’Escoffier International, North Carolina Chapter