Pop‑Up Markets Bring Mobile Food Assistance to Columbus and Brunswick Counties

As summer demand continues to rise across southeastern North Carolina, the Food Bank’s mobile Pop‑Up Market program is returning to Columbus and Brunswick counties with three drive‑through distributions scheduled between August 15 and August 25.

The events are designed to reach residents who may not have access to a permanent food pantry or reliable transportation.

Pop‑Up Markets are mobile food distributions that allow the Food Bank to deliver fresh and shelf‑stable groceries directly into rural communities. Instead of requiring families to travel to a central pantry, the Food Bank brings truckloads of food to local churches and community sites that already serve as trusted gathering places.

The model was created to close gaps in service coverage, especially in towns where no full‑time food‑assistance programs exist.

Food Bank trucks arrive early with pallets of produce, dairy, proteins, and canned goods. These Pop‑Up Markets operate as walk‑up distributions, where visitors park and collect their groceries directly from the tables set up by volunteers. Guests load their own items, and wagons, carts, or sturdy bags are helpful for carrying food back to their vehicles. No identification, income verification, or residency requirements are required. Distribution continues until supplies run out.

Residents attending a Pop‑Up Market can expect a short wait in line, clear signage, and a straightforward process: The experience is designed to be fast, private, and barrier‑free.

Upcoming Pop‑Up Market Dates

Chadbourn – Saturday, August 15, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Jerusalem Chapel Free Will Baptist Church 6224 Chadbourn Hwy (Columbus County)

Bolivia – Friday, August 21, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church 2586 Old Ocean Hwy. (Brunswick County)

Leland – Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. St. James AME Zion Church 27 Old Town Creek Rd NE. (Brunswick County)

All three distributions are open to anyone in need, and all operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis while supplies last.