Chances are you have heard of food banks and food pantries, but do you know the difference between the two? I didn’t truly understand the difference until I started my career working with N.C. Cooperative Extension. Now I have the privilege of working alongside both food pantries and food banks and wanted to pass along some of what I’ve learned in the last few years.

Food banks are typically larger organizations that have warehouses and refrigerated trucks that give them the capacity to source large quantities of food, including fresh produce. These organizations are often associated with Feeding America, a national umbrella organization that connects food banks across the country with each other and with sources of food (including farmers, but also grocery stores, distributors, and wholesalers).

Food pantries receive distributions from food banks and provide food directly to those in need. Food pantries might operate out of faith communities, community centers, or other organizations. Food pantry capacity varies as do the number of days per week they are open and in their distribution methods. Many operate on small budgets and rely heavily on volunteer labor and donations.

To show the scope of the work of food banks, last year the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina distributed over 54 million pounds of produce across its 34 county service area last year alone. Within each county, food pantries help make this work possible. With anticipated cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the food bank doesn’t believe it will be able to match the demand for food in the upcoming months. Amy Beros, the president and CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina said they will look toward donations from the community and corporations to help fill the gap in the coming months. 

The Duplin Coalition for Health is partnering with Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries to host a food collection drive to support our local food pantries. While pantries can access food through food banks, options or quantities can be limited. Some of the most specific needs include: whole grain pasta, rice, water, high protein canned items (meats), peanut butter, canned beans, dried beans, canned soup or broth, canned fruits & vegetables. 

Interested in supporting this food collection drive? Purchased items can be dropped off  throughout October at locations throughout the county including: any Duplin County library, Wallace or Warsaw Parks and Recreation, Piggly Wiggly in Wallace, and ECU Health Duplin Hospital. 

For an exhaustive list of all drop off locations and physical addresses, a printable list of most requested items, and more information about the Food Bank of CENC, Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries, and Food Assistance in Duplin County, visit go.ncsu.edu/duplin-food-drive. 

Sources: 

Feeding America 

Food Bank CENC