Food Banks & Food Pantries — Cape Fear Region 

This list includes active food banks and pantries serving the Cape Fear region, covering New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, Columbus, and Bladen counties. Call ahead to confirm availability.

New Hanover County

• Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina — 1000 Greenfield St., Wilmington, NC 28401. Phone: 910-251-1465.
• Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard — 315 Red Cross St., Wilmington, NC 28401. Phone: 910 762-2199. 
• Bread for Life Senior Pantry — 108 N. Kerr Ave., Ste K-1 & K-2, Wilmington, NC. Phone: 910-399-7207. 
• NourishNC — 3606 Market St., Wilmington, NC. Phone: 910-465-0995. Focused on children’s hunger relief.
• Cape Fear Council of Governments pantry listings — multiple community sites available countywide.
• Good Shepard Center – 811 Martin Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. 910-763-4424 x 100. 

Pender County

• Pender County Christian Services — 210 W. Fremont St., Burgaw, NC 28425. Phone: 910-259-5840. 
• The 4 C’s Food Pantry — 15200 US Hwy 17 N, Hampstead, NC 28443. Phone: 910-270-0930. 
• Livingstone Tabernacle Church Food Pantry — 127 Sloop Point Loop Rd, Hampstead, NC 28443. Phone: 910-232-4870.
• Gateway Community Church Pantry — 416 W. Bridgers St., Burgaw, NC 28425. Phone: 910-259-5447 or 910-297-3428.
• Safe Haven Food Pantry – 1411 Hwy 117S, St. Helena, NC 28425. (910) 259-8989. 

Brunswick County

• Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA) — Bolivia and Leland offices. Phone: Bolivia 910-754-4766; Leland 910-408-1700. 
• Manna Ministries — 509 Village Rd NE, Leland, NC 28451. 
• BSRI Food Pantries (Brunswick Senior Resources Inc.) — provides quarterly food boxes. See bsrinc.org for details.
• Brunswick County Cooperative Extension — maintains a pantry list and SNAP info. Phone: 910-253-2610.

Columbus County

• Living Word Church Community Care & Share — 98 Old Hwy 74, Chadbourn, NC 28431. Phone: 910-654-4164. 
• LifeSavers Outreach Services —  3440 James B. White Hwy S., Whiteville, NC. Serving Columbus County. lifesaversoutreach.org. 
• Grace Episcopal Church ‘Little Free Food Pantry’ — 105 Madison St., Whiteville, NC. 28472

Bladen County

• Bladen Crisis Assistance Inc. —109-111 Martin Luther King Drive., Elizabethtown, NC 28337. Phone: 910-879-1033. 
• Windsor United Methodist Food Pantry —300 Mercer Mill Road, Elizabethtown, NC 28337. 
• Harvest Table and other pantries — see HelpWhenYouNeedIt.org for current listings in Bladen County.

Acceptable Items to Donate to Food Banks

This list includes everyday items that are safe and helpful to donate to local food banks. Please ensure all items are unopened, non-perishable, and within their ‘best by’ dates. When in doubt, check with your local food bank for specific needs.

Canned & Shelf-Stable Foods

• Canned vegetables and fruit (in juice or light syrup)
• Canned beans (black, kidney, chickpeas, baked beans, etc.)
• Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon, ham, Spam)
• Canned soups, chili, and stews
• Canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, or pasta sauce
• Shelf-stable milk (evaporated, powdered, or boxed)
• Canned pasta (ravioli, SpaghettiOs, etc.)

Dry Goods & Grains

• Rice (white, brown, instant, or flavored)
• Pasta and noodles
• Boxed macaroni & cheese
• Instant potatoes or stuffing mix
• Dry beans, lentils, or peas
• Oats and oatmeal packets
• Breakfast cereals and granola

Protein & Meal Staples

• Peanut butter and other nut butters
• Shelf-stable protein shakes or powder
• Canned or boxed chili, beef stew, or hearty soups
• Canned or boxed meals (Chef Boyardee, Dinty Moore, etc.)

Breakfast & Snacks

• Granola bars and protein bars
• Crackers, pretzels, or popcorn
• Fruit cups or applesauce
• Shelf-stable juice boxes or bottles
• Instant coffee, tea bags, or hot cocoa mix

Baking & Cooking Essentials

• Flour, sugar, salt, and pepper
• Cooking oil, olive oil, or spray
• Spices, herbs, and seasoning packets
• Baking mixes (pancake, muffin, cornbread, biscuit)
• Broth or bouillon cubes

Baby & Special Dietary Needs

• Baby food in jars or pouches
• Infant formula (unopened, not expired)
• Gluten-free or low-sodium items
• Ensure or other nutrition drinks for seniors

Hygiene & Household Supplies

• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste
• Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons)
• Diapers and baby wipes
• Dish soap and laundry detergent

Do NOT Donate

• Opened or partially used items
• Homemade or home-canned foods
• Expired or damaged products
• Items in glass jars that may break
• Perishable foods requiring refrigeration or freezing
• Alcoholic beverages or medicines