Religious Community Services Reaffirms Commitment to Neighbors Facing Food Insecurity

Since its founding in 1982, Religious Community Services has remained steadfast in its mission to combat food insecurity in our community. RCS understands that recent changes affecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may create new and immediate challenges for many families.

Today, as many of our neighbors face increased difficulty putting food on the table, RCS is

reaffirming its unwavering commitment to provide the reliable, essential programs and services the community has come to know and trust.

Reliable Programs to Meet Neighbors' Needs

RCS is dedicated to ensuring food access is consistent and accessible through multiple programs, with no eligibility requirements for any of its direct food distributions:

• Food Pantry: Grocery assistance is available to individuals and families every three

months. Client Services is open for appointments Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.

to 4:00 p.m. Call 252-633-2767 to schedule an appointment.

• Community Kitchen: Hot, nutritious meals are served 365 days a year. Entrance to the

Community Kitchen is on Cypress Street.

◦ Lunch: Monday – Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

◦ Breakfast: Sundays at 8:00 a.m.

• Operation Outpost (Mobile Food Distribution): A mobile food pantry serves residents

in Havelock (The Gathering Place) and Pamlico (Contentnea Health) on the first and

third Wednesdays at 5pm, respectively, of the month.

• Pop-Up Food Distributions: Additional food distributions are held on Tuesday and

Friday afternoons starting at 2:00 p.m in the Community Kitchen.

A Call to Action: Help Us Feed Our Neighbors

RCS depends on the generosity of individuals, groups, businesses and faith communities who share the core belief that no one should go hungry. The community can join this effort through three vital ways:

1. Make a Monetary Donation

Cash donations give RCS the greatest flexibility, allowing the organization to use its purchasing power to secure the food items clients need most, often at a significant discount. You can specify that your gift is restricted solely to the food programs.

• Online: Visit our website at www.rcsnewbern.com.

• Text: Text RCSFEEDS to 53-555.

• Mail: Send a check to P.O. Box 704, New Bern, NC 28560.

• Workplace Giving: Check to see if your employer offers a donation matching program

to double your impact.

2. Host a Food Drive

Help keep RCS’ Warehouse and Food Pantry stocked with essential, shelf-stable goods. Contact RCS to find out which items are most needed this month.

3. Volunteer Your Time

RCS depends on dedicated volunteers to ensure the smooth operation of all food programs. We urgently need help sorting, moving, and distributing food. Please contact our volunteer coordinator to find a shift that works for you. Call 252-633-2767, x4014.