Owner of barbershop in Lenoir hosts canned food drive

May 12—A barber in Lenoir hosted a challenge at local high schools to collect cans of food to help those without homes.

Trent Cuthbertson, the owner of Best Cuts Barbershop in Lenoir, said that for the past four years has had a food bank available inside the barbershop for those who are homeless. He said he provides people with bags of food when they come in and ask for them.

"Sometimes I see people walking up and down the street. I'll go and ask them if they need something to eat to try to help," he said. "I saw the urgency and the need and took it upon myself to start this [food bank]."

This year, though, he decided to try something different: He invited the football teams from Hibriten High School, West Caldwell High School and South Caldwell High School to participate in the The Battle of the Cans Food Challenge to see which could raise the most food donations. The challenge started in February and lasted until the end of April, this school year's football season.

Hibriten High School won by far, collecting 775 pounds of canned food for the food bank. West Caldwell High School collected 500 pounds. South Caldwell High School didn't participate.

Once he received all the cans, he added them to the food pantry in his barbershop and continues to give out bags of food whenever there is a need.

Cuthbertson said he wants to make the challenge an annual event. He plans to also invite Freedom High School, East Burke High School, Patton High School and Draughn High School next year.

"I wanted to get kids involved to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate," he said.

Reporter Carmen Boone can be reached at 828-610-8723.

Reporter Carmen Boone can be reached at 828-610-8723