History:

The Fuquay Varina Emergency Food Pantry was incorporated as a non-profit, faith-based organization in September, 2001.  A number of churches were, at the time, striving to individually address the problem of hunger in the western Wake, western Johnston and northern Harnett counties.  All were well intended, however, the results were quite meager considering the magnitude of the problem.  Realizing this great short-fall, a number of these churches banded together, consolidated their resources and created one central Food Pantry to serve clients throughout this three county area.

Located on West Academy Street in Fuquay, the Food Pantry occupies approximately 2,500 ft. of floor space.  It is open to serve clients on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons of each week, providing a wholesome box of food (canned vegetables, meats, cereals, bread, fresh meat, fresh eggs, fresh vegetables and fruits in season) adequate to feed a family for a full week.  For special holidays such as Thanksgiving , Christmas and sometimes Easter, clients who make a ticket request may receive a special box with a turkey/ham, side dishes and condiments sufficient for a family dinner.  Eleven hundred were provided during the most recent year.

Beginning with a few dozen clients per month in 2001, the volume has steadily increased over the years.  During September, 2008, 510 families were served.  Beginning in 2003, volunteers extended the gift of firewood for “Warmth in Winter” to the Food Pantry clients.  During the most recent Winter season, 34 families received a total of 135 loads of firewood.  For the coming season, approximately 150 loads have been prepared and made ready for delivery.   Also beginning in 2003, the Food Pantry initiated a “Helping Hand” ministry wherein volunteers collect discarded household items (furniture and appliances) from the community and distribute them to families throughout the area who come to us for food and other life- sustaining resources.  Twenty-two families have been helped in this manner during 2008.