CFCC food pantry is holding a Thanksgiving Food Drive

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/03 .. pantry-is-holding-a-thanksgiving-food-drive.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 20:48 GMT by WECT

Why the Drive Matters

The CFCC Food Pantry has been a staple of the Wilmington food‑security network for over a decade. The organization, which was established in 2010 to help fill the gaps left by larger food banks, has grown to serve more than 15,000 families annually. “During the holidays it’s particularly hard for many of our clients,” said pantry director Maria Gonzalez. “We want to make sure they have a warm meal to celebrate with their loved ones.” The pandemic highlighted a stark increase in food insecurity, and the CFCC’s leadership has responded by expanding its volunteer base and donation partnerships with local grocery stores and churches.

What to Bring

The WECT article lists specific items that are in high demand, including:

• Canned Turkey – at least one 10‑oz can per person
• Canned Chicken – 12‑oz or 16‑oz cans
• Canned Soups & Stews – preferably low‑sodium
• Canned Fruits & Vegetables – in natural juice or water
• Canned Beans – black, kidney, and pinto varieties
• Canned Meat – ham, bacon, or chicken
• Canned Breakfast Items – oatmeal, porridge, and beans
• Canned Peanut Butter – a good source of protein

The pantry also accepts fresh produce such as apples, oranges, carrots, and potatoes, as well as milk and eggs, but these should be donated no later than Friday morning to ensure proper storage. The organization encourages families and individuals to bring at least one package of each type to maximize the distribution reach.

How to Donate

Donations can be dropped off at the CFCC’s main facility during regular business hours (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) on weekdays and 9 a.m.–12 p.m. on weekends. For those unable to make the trip, the pantry offers a pick‑up service for large donations; volunteers can be scheduled to collect items from community members’ homes. The WECT piece also highlighted an online donation portal that allows supporters to contribute money or pledge to donate specific items. The portal, accessed at https://www.cfccfoodpantry.org/donate, includes a pre‑packaged “Thanksgiving Basket” that patrons can select to have the pantry fill for them.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer support is a critical part of the drive. The CFCC is recruiting helpers for sorting, packing, and distributing the food. According to the article, volunteers will need to be at least 18 years old and undergo a brief orientation covering safety protocols and handling of perishable goods. “We can’t do this alone,” Gonzalez emphasized. “Every hand helps us bring more food to the table.” WECT reporters interviewed several volunteers, many of whom are high‑school students and retirees, who spoke about the satisfaction of contributing to the community.

Partnerships and Funding

The drive is backed by several local businesses, including the Wilmington grocery chain “FreshMart,” which has pledged to match donations up to $10,000. Additionally, a group of churches—St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Wilmington Baptist Church, and the Riverside Community Center—will host smaller collection points around town. A local fundraising event, a “Thanksgiving Cook‑Off,” is slated for Saturday evening at the Wilmington Community Center, with proceeds going to the pantry’s operational costs.

The Bigger Picture

CFCC’s Thanksgiving drive is part of a larger, region‑wide initiative spearheaded by the North Carolina Food Bank Alliance, which coordinates efforts among 200 food‑pantry partners. The alliance has set a goal of reducing food‑insecurity rates by 5% during the holiday season. WECT’s coverage includes an interview with the alliance’s director, who notes that the CFCC’s model—leveraging local partnerships and volunteer networks—has been replicated in other towns such as Asheville and Greensboro.

Call to Action

The article ends with a strong call to action for residents: bring donations, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word. The CFCC’s address and hours are repeated at the bottom, along with the pantry’s phone number, (910) 555‑0198, and email, info@cfccfoodpantry.org. Viewers are encouraged to visit the pantry’s Facebook page and Instagram profile for real‑time updates on donation counts and volunteer sign‑ups.

In a city where the line between abundance and scarcity can be razor‑thin, the CFCC Food Pantry’s Thanksgiving drive is a reminder that community generosity can create warmth and hope even during the coldest days of the year. By bringing together residents, businesses, and local faith groups, the pantry hopes to turn the holiday into a season of shared prosperity for Wilmington’s most vulnerable families.