ABOUT THE FOOD PANTRY

The Edenton-Chowan Food Pantry was founded in 1983 by members of St. Paul‘s Episcopal Church. It has grown to become an organization sponsored by 17 local churches, a handful of supportive sponsors, and a multitude of dedicated donors.

In 2021, food assistance was provided to approximately 180 households and 155 senior adults each month. In addition, the Weekend Meals for Kids program provided weekend meals to about 150 elementary and middle school students during the school year. The Children’s Summer Nutrition Program served 75 families with 152 children between 25 and 40 pounds of groceries each week during the 12 week period when school was not in session.  

As a nonprofit organization, the Edenton-Chowan Food Pantry is governed by a 21 member Board of Directors comprised of representatives from the 17 sponsoring churches, Chowan County Social Services,  and the community at large. Led by the Executive Committee, the Food Pantry employs 3 part-time employees.

By weaving together the cash and food donations received from individuals, local businesses, churches, clubs and civic organizations with the money received from grants and an annual endowment fund distribution, the staff and volunteers at the Food Pantry work hard to create a safety net for the estimated 2,200 food insecure individuals living in Chowan County.

The Edenton-Chowan Food Pantry is a member agency of the Food Bank of the Albemarle and Feeding America.