Joanne Williams
Editor

(Photo provided – Food preparation, family time and neighborhood fellowship brought more than 52 neighbors together for Rock the Crock.)

 

Lasagna, baked ziti, chicken and dumplings, black bean chili, pork roast, pulled pork, and turkey roast with cranberry sauce.

No, not a restaurant menu, rather, the main meals for a unique community building event called Rock the Crock, a result of Charlotte’s StreetHeart program, facilitated through Eaton Community Health (ECH).

The approximately two-month event was attended by neighbors wanting to get to know their neighbors, and to better their family culinary skills. This was the second round for the event.

The program is overseen by Kalli Brady, ECH Executive Director. The neighborhoods participating in the program, by choice and contribution. This neighborhood project included the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church within its boundaries, and if anyone knows Pastor John Messner, they know he loves to cook.

The initial gathering and end celebration of the program were held at the church. 

At the beginning, neighbors met and were challenged to make the “world’s biggest burrito” together.  The 12-foot result was not verified but was eaten.

Afterward, and for the next six weeks, participating families were provided with a crockpot and all the fixings for the meals. They were encouraged to make the meals as a family and record the results to a shared, private online site. Supplies and support came from StreetHeart, the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church and the Charlotte Lions Club.

“They had a lot of fun” planning online and in person,” Brady said.

StreetHeart has been in place since March 2020 and has produced a number of neighborhood initiatives, led by seven block captains and families.

“It’s about what we can do together that we cannot do alone,” Brady said of the program. 

Neighbor April Meyers learned that. She and her husband and two children participated in this Rock the Crock project. Their favorite meal? The pork dish, she said. “It was amazing. It had vinegar in it,” and Meyers had her doubts, but it turned out to be a hit. Recipes, and other items are also included in the crock pot and meal ingredients supplies.

“I usually don’t like doing things…with new people. But I am trying to go outside of my comfort zone,” Meyers said. She is glad she did it, and as a result, became a block leader/planner for future StreetHeart efforts.

According to program statistics, Rock the Crock 2026 provided  the makings for 72 meals at an average cost of $10. Twelve families participated with the help of 20 volunteers.

Brady said the whole idea of the program is to “put things in the hands of residents” because they know what’s best for their neighborhoods. There are no requirements to become part of the program, Brady said. At Eaton Community Health, “We believe your health is directly connected to the place that you live.”

For information, visit the website at ech-eaton.org or contact Brady at kalli@ech-eaton.org.