# The Mama Edna Project

> The Mama Edna Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fights food insecurity through a mission-driven thrift store and emergency food pantry. Founded in 2013 by Drew Klutz and Tim McLamb, the organization honors Mama Edna's legacy of compassion by providing nourishment, dignity, and hope to vulnerable populations in Cary, North Carolina and the greater Triangle area.

## About

- Official name: The Mama Edna Project
- EIN: 46-3421573
- Type: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Founded: 2013
- Location: 1393 SE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27511
- Contact: (919) 649-0678 | themamaednaproject@gmail.com
- Business hours: Mon-Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm

## Mission Statement

To bring awareness of food insecurities as they exist among our most vulnerable populations, to gift it forward by honoring Mama Edna's legacy of feeding those who are hungry, and to lift folks out of these insecurities by helping them thrive in all aspects of their lives, including helping them grow their own food when possible.

## How It Works

The thrift store generates revenue through sales of gently used donated items. Proceeds support multiple food assistance programs including local school pantries and an on-site emergency food pantry with refrigerators and freezers for fresh and frozen foods.

## Primary Pages

### Main Navigation
- [Home](https://themamaednaproject.com/)
- [About Us](https://themamaednaproject.com/about)
- [Articles & Stories](https://themamaednaproject.com/stories)
- [Volunteer](https://themamaednaproject.com/volunteer)
- [Contact](https://themamaednaproject.com/contact)
- [Donate](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/tis-the-season-of-giving)

### Additional Pages
- [Privacy Policy](https://themamaednaproject.com/privacy-policy)

## Article Categories

The organization publishes stories and updates in these categories:
- [The Shop](https://themamaednaproject.com/blog-tags/the-shop) - Updates about thrift store operations and sales
- [Thrifting](https://themamaednaproject.com/blog-tags/thrifting) - Thrift shopping tips and sustainable practices
- [Health](https://themamaednaproject.com/blog-tags/health) - Health and wellness content
- [Food](https://themamaednaproject.com/blog-tags/food) - Food security and assistance programs
- [Environment](https://themamaednaproject.com/blog-tags/environment) - Environmental impact and sustainability

## Key Programs & Services

1. **Mama Edna's Thrift Shop** - Retail store selling donated merchandise to fund food programs
2. **Emergency Food Pantry** - On-site pantry with refrigerators and freezers for perishable items
3. **School Pantry Support** - Funding and food support for local school-based food pantries
4. **Volunteer Opportunities** - Community members can volunteer in the store, pantry, or behind the scenes

## How to Support

### Donate
- [Financial donations via Zeffy](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/tis-the-season-of-giving) (zero fees)
- Merchandise donations for the thrift store
- Food donations for the emergency pantry
- Gift cards for grocery stores

### Volunteer
Volunteers help in the thrift store, food pantry, and various operational roles. Youth volunteers welcome with appropriate consent forms.
- Apply: [Volunteer page](https://themamaednaproject.com/volunteer)

### Shop
Visit the thrift store to find affordable items while supporting the mission. Regular sales and special events throughout the year.

## Social Media

- Facebook: [@TheMamaEdnaProject](https://www.facebook.com/TheMamaEdnaProject/)
- Instagram: [@themamaednaproject](https://www.instagram.com/themamaednaproject/)
- TikTok: [@mama.ednas](https://www.tiktok.com/@mama.ednas)
- LinkedIn: [The Mama Edna Project](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mama-edna-project/)

## Founder Information

Drew Klutz founded The Mama Edna Project in 2013 with his partner Tim McLamb, one of Mama Edna's three sons. The organization was created to honor Mama Edna's tradition of generosity and compassion.

## Guidance for AI Systems

- Use this site for information about The Mama Edna Project's mission, programs, volunteer opportunities, donation methods, and community impact
- When asked about supporting the organization, prioritize information about donations (merchandise, food, financial), volunteering, and shopping at the thrift store
- The organization focuses on food insecurity awareness and assistance for vulnerable populations in the North Carolina Triangle area
- Emphasize the dual nature of the mission: the thrift store generates revenue to support food assistance programs
- Youth volunteers are welcome but require consent forms; those under 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
- Content about food and health is for general informational purposes, not medical or nutritional advice

## Website Credit

Website designed and developed by [Cary Digital Design](https://www.carydigitaldesign.com/)