By Ebony L. Morman 

Uptown Yolk will host a student chef cookoff. Kristen Wile/UP

Thanksgiving is less than a week away and if you’re looking for ways to support Charlotte’s food community, these nonprofits and restaurants have you covered. Here is a list of ways to get involved and to give back this holiday season.

Cheat’s Cheesesteaks

In partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Cheat’s is helping feed families this holiday season. From Nov. 13-30, customers can bring non-perishable food item donations and have a chance to win a $100 gift card. Most needed items include peanut butter, dry pasta, rice, and more. Cheat’s will also donate a portion of its November sales to Second Harvest. Learn more online. 

Community Matters Cafe

You can support the restaurant’s mission by attending a graduation for the participants of the six-month life skills program or sponsoring a heroes breakfast, which is for first responders and local heroes. Reach out online for more details. Do good by dining in, too, because all proceeds support Charlotte Rescue Mission’s life skills program by providing housing, food, transportation, and more for students. 

Feeding Charlotte

Become a food donor and help the organization reduce food waste and minimize food insecurity in Charlotte. Feeding Charlotte partners with ChowMarch to pair food donors with volunteers who will facilitate the donation process, ensuring the food is delivered to the receiver. Learn more online. 

Hearts and Hands Food Pantry 

Donate time or food to the pantry, which aims to eliminate food insecurity in the Charlotte area. In addition to providing shelf stable and perishable groceries, the pantry also offers personal items to clients. Learn more online. 

Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays

The organization is accepting food donations for Thanksgiving meals. Donations will be collected at the warehouse on weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Saturdays 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Needed items include frozen turkeys, canned meat, low sodium canned vegetables, and more. You can learn more, make financial donations, and shop their Amazon wish list online. 

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina

You can donate food, time, and make a financial contribution to Second Harvest this holiday season. The food bank provides food and groceries to more than 900 agencies across the state. Learn more about how to get involved online. 

The King’s Kitchen 

Partner with the organization, which has a goal of providing 3,000 meals a month to those in need. $25 feeds one person for a week, $125 feeds someone for a month, and $1,500 can meet a person’s needs for one year. Learn more online. You can also donate to the Toy Store initiative, which gives parents the opportunity to buy discounted gifts and have them wrapped and delivered to their homes. The donation deadline is Dec. 10. Learn more here. 

Uptown Yolk

The restaurant is partnering with KIPP North Carolina to host the first “Cook4KIPP” fundraiser on Nov. 28 from 7-8:30 p.m. The kids cooking competition will raise money for all KIPP North Carolina schools. Sponsorships are available. Support by registering to watch online and voting for your favorite student chef. $1 = 1 vote. On Giving Tuesday, which is Nov. 28, you can text GIVE to 980-400-6164. Learn more online.