About

Statement of Purpose:
Families handicapped by hunger are more likely to fail in their pursuit of life’s dreams. The Fuquay Varina Emergency Food Pantry is a faith-based organization whose mission is to remove that handicap for as many families as possible within this area and has served since 2001.

History:
The Fuquay Varina Emergency Food Pantry was incorporated as a nonprofit, 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 shortfall, a number of these churches banded together, consolidated their resources and created one central Food Pantry to serve clients throughout this area.

Located on West Academy Street in Fuquay, the Food Pantry occupies approximately 2,500 square feet 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, soup, meats, cereals, and bread). To this we add frozen meat, fresh eggs, rice, peanut butter and, when in season, fresh vegetables and fruits. We try to make it sufficient to feed a family for a full week. For special holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and sometimes Easter, clients receive a special bag with side dishes and condiments to go with a turkey or ham sufficient for a family dinner.  Over 700 turkeys were distributed during the most recent Thanksgiving week, and a special bag of baking goods such as flour, sugar, oil and other goodies were normally provided for Christmas.

Beginning with a few dozen clients per month in 2001, the volume has steadily increased over the years. We are currently serving over 500 families per month. When available, we have also distributed space heaters to some clients during the winter months and fans during the summer months.  We have also assisted with the delivery of firewood to some homes that burn wood for heat in the winter, and have “relocated” gently used appliances and beds to families in need.

Support:
Financial support for the Food Pantry operations derives from individual contributions; grants from towns, foundations and church denominations; and contributions from churches, businesses and civic clubs. Food is received from the NC Food Bank (approximately 30% of the total inventory), plus from numerous food drives by the area schools, civic organizations, churches and private businesses. Inventory is also purchased at steep discounts from local supermarkets. These same supermarkets contribute their day-old bread and sweets, as well as deli items nearing their expiration date.  In 2014, we also began receiving meat from the Kroger market on Broad Street, and in 2015 from Food Lion on Main Street.  If we receive excess donations, volunteers transport the items to local retirement homes or churches for redistribution.

Background:
Located on West Academy Street in Fuquay, the Food Pantry provides service to citizens living in Fuquay Varina, parts of Holly Springs, Willow Springs and other residents in Wake and Harnett Counties. Officially titled “The Fuquay Varina Emergency Food Pantry,” we have also been referred to as the Fuquay Varina Food Bank, Fuquay Varina Food Pantry, FV Food Pantry or simply FVEFP. Whatever the title, we are made up of local volunteers who strive to give back through our service and our continued operations depend on the ongoing generosity and charity of our community, which have never been in short supply.