We currently operate within Mount Olivet UMC on Ananais Dare Street, downtown Manteo. The Roanoke Island Food Pantry has been serving the hungry of Dare County since 1979. We serve all who come to us in need of food with a two week supply of nonperishable food (canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned meat, bread, cereal, rice, beans, pasta, flour etc.). Families that come to us with a referral from Social Services, Ministers of area Churches, Dept. of Public Health or Interfaith Community Outreach also receive a $25 food voucher for a local market in addition to the basic two week supply. The vouchers allow for purchase of perishables and/or additional food items. We are totally supported by donations of food and funds from area Churches, Businesses, Community Organizations, and individuals. Mount Olivet United Methodist Church provides space for the Pantry, administrative support and logistical support at no charge. All of our staff are volunteers. This means that 100% of donated funds go directly for the purchase of food and food vouchers. Over the last four years we have served an average of 631 families per year. We thank God that through His provision and through all who have supported the Pantry over the years, we have never had to turn anyone away. Help us to continue serving the hungry by:
Donating food and/or funds
Organizing a food/fund drive in your Church, neighborhood, business or organization
Designating a memorial
Praying for the Pantry and those we serve
Telling others about the Pantry
Food donations are our bread and butter, however monetary donations are critical. With cash we can quickly stock the shelves when demand increases and/or we find ourselves short on key items. With cash we can be better stewards and buy when and where the prices are low. For example one time this year we were able to purchase boxes of cereal from the Food Bank of the Albemarle (our Umbrella Organization) for around $0.25 a box. With cash in hand we can take good advantage of such bargains as they occur. Our desire and goal is to serve everyone who comes to the Pantry not only with much needed food but also with the love, kindness, humility and grace that Christ demonstrates to all. Those who volunteer here remember times in the past when they needed help and have the compassion to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. No one knows what tomorrow may bring. The Pantry is open from 9 am to 11 am Monday through Friday at Mount Olivet UMC, located at the corner of Ananias Dare St. and Essex St, Manteo, NC. For more information or to make a donation contact Bob or Angela 252-473-3814 or Mount Olivet UMC at 252-473-2089.
