RALEIGH, N.C. — In an effort to expand its reach, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina is continuing pop-up markets throughout February. 

The pop-up markets serve as a direct food distribution site to people in low-income areas, food deserts and communities in crisis. 

What You Need To Know

  • The pop-up markets are being held in Zebulon, Mt. Olive, Warrenton, Louisburg and Halifax  

  • Hours run between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

  • The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina is providing fresh produce at each market

Cassie James is the pop-up market coordinator for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. 

“We know there are parts of our service area where we either don’t have a ton of partner agencies or could just use some additional support," James said. 

James says the partner agencies have seen up to a 40% increase in need since the COVID-19 pandemic. The markets began in 2021 as a way to combat the increase in food insecurity. 

“With inflation and everything, the recovery has been a lot slower for communities that were already vulnerable to food insecurity to begin with," James said. 

The Food Bank identified areas that have barriers to getting fresh, affordable food. Currently, the markets are held in 10 counties, but its goal is to expand that to all 34 counties that it serves. 

“We look at low income census tracks, places with low access to grocery stores and all kinds of data like that," James said. 

Aside from making food accessible, they also want to ensure they are providing fresh and nutritious options for families. James says at least half of the items offered involve fresh produce. 

The markets have been successful. On average, James says, the pop-up markets serve around 200 households at each distribution site. 

"If people can access fresh and healthy food like this, it’s just one less thing to worry about," James said. 

February pop-up market locations: 

  • Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church in Zebulon: Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Sandy Creek Baptist Church in Louisburg: Feb. 9 and Feb. 23from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • First Baptist Church in Mt. Olive: Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Pink with a Passion in Warrenton: Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Halifax County Center in Halifax: Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The food bank pop-up markets are free to anyone in need. Organizers ask that people bring their own bags or boxes to collect their food.