Rising need across southern Brunswick County is driving a major expansion effort and a permanent home for the volunteer‑run pantry.
Shallotte, NC — The Lord’s Food Pantry in Shallotte is moving forward with plans for a new permanent facility after years of rapid growth that have stretched its current operations to capacity. The pantry, which serves families across the greater South Brunswick region, has seen its demand more than double in four years — a shift volunteers say reflects both population growth and rising food insecurity.
According to the South Brunswick Interchurch Council, volunteers assisted 8,318 family units in 2025, representing more than 29,000 individuals. That figure is nearly twice the number served in 2021, and the pantry now distributes food multiple days each week, often with lines forming before opening.
The surge in need has pushed the pantry’s current space to its limits. Refrigerators and freezers run at full capacity, and dry‑goods storage is stacked to the ceiling, with overflow items staged in hallways or borrowed rooms. Parking is also strained, with vehicles lining up along Holden Beach Road during distribution hours. Volunteers often direct traffic and unload large shipments outdoors simply because there is no room inside.
Organizers say these challenges mirror broader trends in southern Brunswick County, where rapid population growth, seasonal employment, and rising living costs have increased pressure on household budgets. Many families seeking help are working residents who cannot keep up with food, transportation, or medical expenses.
The planned facility on Holden Beach Road is designed to address these issues. It will include expanded cold storage, dedicated loading areas, and a layout that allows volunteers to sort and distribute food more efficiently. The larger site will also improve parking and traffic flow, reduce roadside congestion and create a safer, more predictable experience for families. Covered outdoor areas are planned to support volunteers during peak heat or bad weather.
Long‑term, the new building is intended to grow with the community. Pantry leaders expect demand to remain high as Brunswick County continues to expand, and the facility is designed to support additional programs, partnerships, and service hours in the years ahead.
The site at 605 Holden Beach Road forms the foundation of a two‑year capital campaign titled Feed My Sheep: The Campaign for The Lord’s Food Pantry. The project carries an estimated cost of $1.25 million and includes expanded storage, improved client access, and space for volunteer operations.
A major $560,000.00 gift from the Schoen Foundation — including funds for the land purchase and a challenge grant to encourage additional donations — has positioned the project to move forward. The pantry remains volunteer‑run and relies on local churches, civic groups, and individual donors. Leaders say the new building will allow them to operate more efficiently and maintain consistent food supplies during periods of high demand.
Fundraising for the remaining project costs continues, with organizers emphasizing that community participation will determine how quickly construction can begin.
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