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NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – Religious Community Services is providing free food to New Bern residents twice a week this summer through a pop-up distribution program, as rising grocery prices continue to strain household budgets.
The nonprofit distributes items including fresh produce, deli items, and bread products. Volunteers said recipients typically fill five to six bags of food per session, with groups of six to seven people rotating in and out. The program serves around 90 people per session.
Religious Community Services partners with a food bank and other organizations to supply the distributions.
One recipient, Devin Allen, said receiving fruit, vegetables, and snacks has been crucial due to the high cost of living.
“So I’m just thankful to be able to get this good food and bless other people, not just meet people that I live with, who I stay with,” Allen said. “It’s always good to bless other people. That’s literally what it’s about.”
Religious Community Services will be closed Friday in observance of the Fourth of July.
On Wednesday, RCS will host Operation Outpost in Havelock, distributing food and hygiene items to rural communities in Craven and Pamlico counties.
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