Operation Veggie Box (OVB) in April received a $5,000 grant from Religious Community Services (RCS), New Bern.
According to Rich Maher, OVB chief executive, the grant was for feeding Pamlico County residents in need. Maher purchased food items and delivered them in bulk to Bethany, where they were stored briefly.
Friday, April 24, OVB members met in Bethany’s fellowship hall and packed 200 boxes with the food items.
Maher explained that previously, county residents in need of food had been identified through various sources, and that individuals had been notified that food boxes would be distributed at Bethany’s parking lot on Saturday, April 25, 10 AM to noon.
In addition, organizations supporting food-distribution efforts, including the Reelsboro food bank, Pamlico Partnership for Children and Fishes and Loaves arranged to pick up boxes for distribution to their clients.
Bethany’s north parking lot was utilized to fill orders from the organizations, and the south parking lot to distribute boxes to individual families.
Operation Veggie Box is planning an additional food-distribution event in the near future
Maher also said that OVB’s three sponsored gardens at Arapahoe Charter School, at Camp Caroline and at 4H Extension are growing well. The fresh produce from the gardens will be delivered to Fishes and Loaves for distribution.