Basic Needs Ministry
Cleveland Township Emergency Food Pantry

Feeding the Community - A Meal at a Time
Number of Meals Requested by Month

Year Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Tot.
2006
798
1,386
1,281
3,948
9,198
16,611
2007
7,728
8,799
7,581
9,261
8,295
10,815
6,618
8,652
11,193
12,704
14,133
16,044
121,823
2008
12,453
10,290
7,350
8,106

Basic Needs Ministry is the home of Cleveland Township Emergency Food Pantry, which is a Partner Agency with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina (FBCENC) (104,000 lbs. in 2007) and an Affiliate of the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle (7,000 lbs. in 2007). It distributes food from the State Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and federal Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). It shares food donated by local residents and raised by local businesses, scout troops, churches, and subdivisions (7,000 pounds in 2007).

May 2008 - by the Numbers

Meals Requested
Total Individuals
Total Families
Unique Individuals
Unique Families
8,106
386
132
186
61

Full Demographics - one sample month

  • 593 requests for food for a total of 12,453 meals
  • 72 unique families, 281 unique individuals
  • 13% Newborn-5 years old
  • 23% 6-17 years old
  • 50% 18-64 years old
  • 13% 65 years old and older and unknown
  • 33% Black/African American
  • 14% Hispanic
  • 53% White
  • 51% Female
  • 49% Male

Needs Met, Photos, Goals and Guidelines

In the 2000 Census, the most populated three townships in Johnston County were: Clayton - 21,182 residents; Smithfield - 14,828 residents; and Cleveland - 10,125. At that time, conservative estimates of residents in need of food were: Clayton - 2,542, served by 4 pantries; Smithfield - 1,779 residents, served by 15 pantries; and Cleveland - 1,215, now served by 1 pantry. With the rapid population growth during the past years, the numbers of persons in need increased. Population table for Johnston County 2000.

In brief, all clients served must reside in Cleveland Township and complete the minimum record keeping requirements for their level of service. All clients must provide North Carolina Driver's License or similar positive proof of identification with a current address in Cleveland Township.

The records for all programs will include the use of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina form requiring: names, addresses, telephone, total number in household, and whether food stamps were applied for. The federal food program (TEFAP) requires its own form, with the same information required, and the client must be receiving food stamps or meet the income eligibility guidelines. Demographic information, without identification, will be gathered as required by the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

See the photos

Goals for 2008

  1. Community Food Donations - Goal: to receive 26,000 pounds per year from various local sources.
  2. Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina - Goal: to provide an average of 156,000 pounds per year. Goal is to stock 65 cu. ft. of meat at each opening of the food pantry.
  3. SNAP - N.C. Nutritional Program - Goal is to receive 3,000 pounds of food per year.
  4. TEFAP - Federal Commodoties - Goal is to receive 3,000 pounds of food per year.
  5. Inter-Faith Food Shuttle -Goal is to receive 10,000 pounds of food per year.

Sample of Mailings to Food Pantry Clients

  • Free NACo prescription drug discount card.
  • Recipes stressing healthy eating and suggestions on how to use unfamiliar foods.
  • Introduction to Project Access in Johnston County, a source for free and low-cost medical care.
  • Invitation to a smart shopping class taught by local expert.
  • Invitation to give opinions on a proposed bus route between White Oak Center and 40/42.