A drive-through grocery pick-up event will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Fessenden Center in Buxton, offering no-questions-asked assistance to Hatteras Island residents feeling the strain of the temporary pause in SNAP benefits or dealing with furloughs and reduced income.
Organized by a team of local volunteers, the effort began as a grassroots response from Heather Jennette, who said she wanted to create something simple, tangible, and community-powered for neighbors suddenly struggling with their household budgets.
“I wanted to do something about the people in our community affected by the pause in SNAP benefits,” Jennette said. “I saw other people doing different things, and they were all amazing. I wanted to, specifically, find something that other people who wanted to help could also contribute to.”
Jennette partnered with Angie Tawes at Conner’s Supermarket, who she said “jumped right in,” along with Dare County Social Services’ Jess Nonnenmocher and Fessenden Center site manager Annelise Wilcox. With Conner’s help, organizers were able to source bulk items and even work with suppliers the store doesn’t typically use to stretch donations as far as possible.
Each grocery bag will include a gallon of milk, dozen eggs, ground beef, ground sausage, chicken drumsticks, chicken thighs, luncheon meat, sliced cheese, and additional fresh produce made possible through overwhelming community support. The fundraiser was structured so that each $25 donation covered the full cost of one bag, and Jennette said donations poured in quickly.
“As always, our community totally shows up,” she said. “We were able to add some fresh produce because the support was so generous.”
The event is fully drive-through, and anyone who needs assistance is welcome. There are no eligibility requirements, no paperwork, and no questions asked.
“Anyone who needs a little help is welcome,” Jennette said. “I just want to run out of bags. My fear at this point is not getting the word out enough.”
The pick-up will take place in the Fessenden Center parking lot in Buxton. Organizers encourage residents to spread the word to ensure that groceries reach as many households as possible.
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