No one should go hungry in Carteret County
Access to food is a basic human need and is vital to the well-being of a community. Food security is defined as reliable access to quality, affordable food. Food insecurity threatens the fabric of a healthy society.
The average food insecurity rate across NC counties is estimated to be 14%; Carteret County has a food insecurity rate of 15% (based on Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap Study).
The fallout from the pandemic and the country’s current financial condition suggests these numbers will rise.
The PKS Council on Aging strongly supports this mission and has been actively promoting information related to this important issue.
Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging Food Reimbursements
In January 2023, we publicized the Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging’s providing $500 reimbursements to assist 60+ year old Carteret County residents to address nutritional needs.
The Town of PKS endorsed this program and extended the messaging to a wider audience. Purchase exclusions apply. Distributions will continue as long as the grant money lasts. Call 252-638-3185 to confirm availability.
NC Coalition of County Commissions Food Resilience Initiative
Also in January 2023, we introduced the Food Resilience Initiative which gained support from the Pine Knoll Shores Board of Commissioners.
The North Carolina Coalition of County Commissions has been leading this initiative. The goal of this effort is to identify ways counties can help ensure all North Carolinians have access to high-quality, affordable food and local producers are able to help meet this need.
In February 2023 the Town of PKS joined 21 counties in NC with its full support of the initiative.
St. Francis Meals on Wheels Ministry
While we don’t have solid numbers on the extent of need within Pine Knoll Shores, the Council on Aging has established a working relationship with the St. Francis Meal Ministry on the island.
This ministry serves Meals on Wheels in MHC and makes extra meals for parishioners and community residents in need.
They typically prepare meals twice a month. Using microwavable containers, meals are refrigerated until delivered and are ready for reheating. Our contacts are Robin Loflin Smith and her husband, Terry Smith.
Requests for meals for residents within PKS can be made by calling a PKS Council member:
- Cindy Schersching: 252-726-1986 (leave message)
- Linda Cumberland: 252-247-7137
- St. Francis by the Sea Church: 252-240-2388
Allow at least 24 hours for a meal delivery. Unfortunately, specific dietary needs cannot be accommodated.
There are no requirements in terms of income, the number of meals or length of time to receive meals. While there are no costs associated with receiving a meal, donations designated for the Meals on Wheels program are welcomed.
More county-wide food resources
Food and hot meals are available to all county residents throughout the week. Council member William (Bill) Douglas alerted the Council to current listings of free food resources in Morehead City.
Catherine Elkins, president of the Carteret Local Food Network, collaborates with other nonprofits across the county to address food insecurity. The network provides food resources and hot meals through food pantries, local agencies and churches.
Again, there are no costs associated with receiving food/meals. Donations are welcomed.
Check the dates, times, and requirements for each listed on the following page. More information can be found at Carteret County Food Resources, NCSU Extension Marketing and Communications.
Food Pantries
Bethlehem UMC
Contact: Janice Leary
728 Bogue Loop Road, Newport, NC
Call for hours
252-623-0658
Comments: Food pantry for Carteret County residents. Se requiere identificación con foto y comprobante de domicilio.
Carteret Community College – Smith Building
Contact: Student Services
College Circle, Morehead City, NC
Mon–Thu 9 am–5 pm
252-222-6152
Comments: For students and community. Para estudiantes y comunidad.
Glad Tidings Church
Contact: Janet Bowen
4621 Country Club Road, Morehead City, NC
Mon–Thu 9 am–12 pm, 1 pm–5 pm
252-726-0160
Comments: Call for emergency food. Llame para alimentos de emergencia.
Ladies Outreach Committee
Contact: Carol Williams
951 Merrimon Road, Beaufort, NC
Call for hours
252-646-1628
Comments: Pantry serving Beaufort residents. Despensa para residentes de Beaufort.
Lighthouse Pantry
Contact: Pastor Smith
2015 Hwy 70 E, Stacy, NC
2nd Sat 8 am–10 am (Down East only)
4th Sat 8 am–10 am (All county)
252-241-8687
Comments: Call for details. Llame para más detalles.
Loaves and Fishes
Contact: Mary Jones
1730 Live Oak Street, Beaufort, NC
1st/2nd/3rd/4th Mon 10 am–1 pm
252-726-2680
Comments: Food pantry for Carteret County. Despensa de alimentos para el condado de Carteret.
Loaves and Fishes
Contact: Mary Jones
Harkers Island United Methodist Church, Harkers Island, NC
Last Thu 1 pm
252-726-2680
Comments: Monthly food distribution. Distribución mensual de alimentos.
Martha’s Mission
Contact: Sally Brown
901 Bay Street, Morehead City, NC
Mon/Wed/Fri 10:30 am–3 pm
252-726-1717, 252-725-5339
Comments: Call before visiting. Llame antes de visitar.
Matthew 25 / St James UMC
Contact: James Smith
1007 Orange Street, Newport, NC
Mon and Thu 9 am–11 am
252-223-4231, 252-223-4727
Comments: Pantry with ID required. Despensa con identificación requerida.
Salvation Army
Contact: Captain Roberts
1700 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC
Mon–Fri 8 am–12 pm, 1 pm–5 pm
252-726-7147, 252-725-5539
Comments: Assistance available with food and clothing. Asistencia disponible con alimentos y ropa.
Storehouse Pantry
Contact: Linda Green
3114 Bridges Street, Morehead City, NC
Mon–Fri 10 am–1 pm
443-956-4633
Comments: Pantry serving Morehead City. Despensa que sirve a Morehead City.
Wildwood Presbyterian Church
Contact: Pastor Lee
276 Wildwood Road, Newport, NC
Thu 8:30 am
252-726-9118
Comments: Call for details. Llame para más detalles.
Hot Meals – ‘Drive Through’ / Take Out
Open to everyone, some available at very reasonable rate, some free, all accept donations.
Atlantic UMC
Penny Smith
146 School Dr, Atlantic, NC
Wed 5:30 pm
252-225-7701
Comments: For seniors, all of Downeast, reserve by Tue. Para personas mayores, todo el este, por favor reserve antes del martes.
“Five Loaves Supper” at First Baptist Church of Beaufort
Nancy Ustach
403 Ann St, Beaufort, NC
Tue 6 pm
252-728-6811
Comments: Collaboration with Ann St UMC, St Paul’s Episcopal, St Egbert’s Catholic, dinners prepared in St Paul’s kitchen. Colaboración con Ann St UMC, St Paul’s Episcopal, St Egbert’s Catholic, cenas preparadas en la cocina de St Paul.
Hand 2 Hand
Elizabeth Bielak
425 Hwy 70, Smyrna, NC
Sat 12 pm
252-418-0000, 703-732-4793
Comments: Lunch meals. Almuerzo.
Harlowe UMC
Tanya Lewis
4261 Hwy 101, Newport, NC
Fri 6 pm
252-241-5896
Comments: Grab and go. Meals include a sandwich, chips, dessert, and drink. Agarra y listo. Las comidas incluyen un sándwich, papas fritas, postre y bebida.
Hot Meals – Eat In
Hope Mission Soup Kitchen
Contact: John Sotyrkys
1410 Bridges Street, Morehead City, NC
Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00 am–12:30 pm
252-240-2359
Comments: Free hot meal served six days a week. Comida caliente servida 6 días a la semana.
Congregate Nutrition at Senior Center
Contact: Carol Neglic
3820 Galantis Drive, Morehead City, NC
Hours: Mon–Fri 11:30 am
252-247-2626
Comments: Meal, companionship, lunch, reservations requested for at least three days per week, reasonable rate. Comida, compañía, almuerzo, reservaciones por requerir al menos 3 días a la semana.
Hot Meals – Delivery
All meals have a price, but delivery is free and they accept donations and volunteers.
Home Delivered Meals from Leon Mann Senior Center
Contact: Carol Neglic
When: Mon–Fri
252-247-2626
Comments: Limit of 32 seniors, full now but waitlist available, criteria = age 60 and older and homebound. One grant covers delivered free meals delivered by volunteers, and another grant for congregate nutrition. Completo (límite de 32) lista de espera disponible, criterio = 60 años y más, entrega de comidas gratos, nutricion colectiva incluye la comida recogida y voluntarios entregan hasta 12 comidas por ruta.
MOW – Atlantic, Cedar Isle, Stacy, Sea Level
Contact: Lou Ann Taylor
When: Mon, Tue, Wed
252-245-2491
Comments: Only 1 client now, Pruitt Health is cooking for them, part of Loaves and Fishes. Solamente un cliente por ahora, Pruitt Health esta cocinando para ellos.
MOW – Smyrna, Marshallberg, Williston, Davis
Contact: Beth Piner
When: Mon–Sat
252-528-0038
Comments: 5 days, 4 clients, 3 drivers, cooked at Seaside and Fish Hook. 5 días, 4 clientes, 3 conductores, cocinando en Seaside y Fish Hook.
MOW – Straits, Harkers Island, Bettie, Otway, Gloucester
Contact: Lillie Miller
When: Mon–Sat
252-728-4566
Comments: 6 days, 4 clients, 5–6 drivers, cooked at Seaside and Fish Hook, promo by word of mouth and churches. 6 días, 4 clientes, 5-6 conductores, cocinado en Seaside y Fish Hook, la promoción es de boca en boca e iglesias.
MOW – Beaufort
Contact: Sandra Howarth
When: Mon–Sat
252-414-2922
Comments: Donna’s Deli cooks for Beaufort, currently 12 meals and 20 drivers, from High School to Parker Boats and in the care, Monday–Saturday. Donna’s Deli cocina para Beaufort, actualmente 12 comidas y 20 conductores, desde la preparatoria hasta Parker Boats y en la cuidad, de lunes a sábado.
MOW – Morehead City, Atlantic Beach
Contacts: John Sotyrkys, Susan Plisko
When: Mon–Fri
252-240-2359, 252-223-4231
Comments: 64 clients, 5 will 6outes, Hope Mission cooks. 35 clientes ahora = 5 rutas, Hope Mission cocina. 15 clients, cooked at Country Kitchen, Morehead City. 15 clientes, cocinado por Country Kitchen, Morehead City.
MOW – Newport
Contact: Susan Plisko
When: Mon–Fri
252-223-4231
Comments: 15 clients, cooked at Country Kitchen, Morehead City. 15 clientes, cocinado por Country Kitchen, Morehead City.
MOW – Emerald Isle, Pelletier, Bogue, Hubert, Stella, Cape Carteret, Swansboro
Contact: Bob
When: Mon–Fri
910-352-8511
Comments: 45–50 clients per week, catered by Class Act Catering, $8,000 annual cost, clients are asked to pay some of $8 fee, White Oak ecumenical outreach covers half, some Onslow clients in the program, cooked by Class Act Catering. Algunos en el condado de Onslow, menu variado, 45-50 clientes por semana, solicite pagar una tarifa de $7 al proveedor, 8,000 al cesano, alcance de White Oak cubre la mitad, cocinado por Class Act Catering.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
CSFP is a monthly free box (35 lb) of nonperishable food for seniors over 60 and under an income threshold, currently offered at Lighthouse Pantry; contact Joyce Gaskill at 252-241-8687 to register.