This week’s Hometown Hero, presented by Hendrick Southpoint, is Tom Raynor from Carrboro United.
Carrboro United is a new food initiative that was created to safely feed the community and support the local economy throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
The initiative provides an opportunity for Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents to pick up fresh produce, quality meats, and prepared meals three times a week. These family-style meals feed up to four people and feature everything from coffee boxes and dessert packs to the classic spaghetti and meatball entrees.
“Obviously if people aren’t able to go to restaurants, the restaurant industry is decimated,” Raynor said. “That rolls down to the local providers, the local farmers they do business with, the local truck drivers they do business with and the delivery people they do business with.”
Carrboro United has been able to hire some of the displaced workers and provide them with a living wage.
“The workers we’ve been able to hire, the displaced workers, are not volunteers,” Raynor said. “They are all being paid a living wage of $22 dollars an hour. The restaurants that are supplying us food are making their mark-up on the meals. So if somebody provides us with a $20-dollar meal, we’re selling that meal for $40 dollars.”
To order online, visit Carrboro United’s website and place your order by 6 p.m. on the day prior to your chosen hub day. Orders can be picked up day-of anytime between 12 to 4 p.m. at 300 East Main Street in front of Cat’s Cradle.
Great leadership, thanks Tom Raynor.