As we celebrate Hunger Action Month in September, we’re also celebrating our first year in our new home.
In the summer of 2024, after years of making do in a rented space that we had long ago outgrown, Share the Table moved into our new building on Perkins Drive off Highway 17 in Hampstead, NC. The new, larger, and safer facility was made possible through generous donations and grants, allowing us to realize our dream of a permanent facility. We now have a true home base where we can better serve our community for years to come.
Since our inception in 2010, Share the Table has worked to ensure families in our community have access to not only food, but helpful resources and fellowship. As our programs and outreach expanded, so did the need for more space. In our previous location, while it was filled with memories and mission-driven work, we were bursting at the seams. We needed a facility that could keep pace with the growing demand for services, and we’re grateful to say we now have it.
Our new facility provides:
Expanded Pantry Capacity
With a larger facility, Share the Table can now accept more donations and keep a wider variety of foods on hand. This ensures that families have reliable access to fresh produce, dairy, and shelf-stable items, even during times of high demand. Being able to better organize our food inventory has made it easier to take on even more donations.
A Dignified Shopping Experience
Our pantry is designed like a neighborhood market, where families can select the foods that fit their needs and preferences. The new pantry is more welcoming and easier to navigate. We offer a dignified approach that reduces stigma, so families feel safe and respected. As a result, more families are returning, confident they can access the support they need without judgment.
Room for Learning and Growth
We now have the space to host nutrition education workshops and cooking demonstrations. These programs empower families with the skills and know-how to prepare healthy meals on a budget.
Supporting Our Volunteers
One of our greatest assets has benefited from a permanent home as well. Our precious volunteers are the heart of Share the Table, and our new space provides them with the tools and support they need. We now have expanded training areas, organized workstations, and comfortable break spaces to help them serve more effectively.
Faster, Smarter Service
Our new building’s streamlined layout was especially designed to make it easier to manage donations, stock shelves, and guide families through the pantry. This reduces wait times and allows us to serve more households.
A Place to Connect
But it’s not just about food distribution. Our new facility doubles as a gathering place for meetings, events, and collaborations within the community. Opening our doors to those who otherwise wouldn’t know about us is essential to our future growth. This will strengthen connections among local organizations and create opportunities for neighbors to support one another.
Accessible for All
Now featuring the latest in ADA-compliant entrances, restrooms, and parking, we’re fully accessible, which was an important goal for us. Now everyone, regardless of mobility, can access our services safely and comfortably. We’ve also included a shower and a washer/dryer in our new building to accommodate those who might not have access otherwise.
Energy-Efficient Design
With modern lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration systems, we reduce utility costs and lessen our environmental impact every day we’re in operation. These savings allow us to direct more resources toward feeding families.
Space to Evolve
Flexible spaces allow us to adjust and expand as the needs of our client community evolves. Whether through new programs, partnerships, or services, our building is completely scalable, designed to adapt to future needs.
Stronger Community Presence
Having a permanent home shows stability and long-term commitment to fighting hunger. This is important to not only the clients we serve but also to the donors and partners who make our work possible. It reassures families and partners alike that Share the Table will be here to serve our neighbors for years to come.
Our new home represents more than just a building — it’s a hopeful foundation for growth. Every square foot is a testament to the generosity of those who believe in our mission and the resourcefulness and generosity of the community we serve. As we look ahead, Share the Table is committed to using this space to not only meet today’s needs but to inspire lasting change for generations to come.
