Cookie Crumbles Right For Preacher

A pastor’s fledgling snack food company is taking off after landing a contract with Northwest Airlines.

The Rev. Jim Holley’s Country Preacher company supplies 17,000 cookies a day to the carrier, with profits earmarked for the various charities he supports.

Holley, pastor of the city’s Historic Little Rock Baptist Church, sells oatmeal-raisin, peanut butter, and other cookies that are labeled “Taste So Divine … and that’s The Gospel Truth.”

The 3-year-old company isn’t turning a profit yet, but he expects it will soon, providing money for such charities as Children in Progress.

“I’m tired of begging for my homeless shelter,” he said. “I’m tired of begging for my scholarships. I’m tired of begging for shoes for children. I’m tired of begging on Sunday morning.

“I’m much better at entrepreneurship.”