Cape Hatteras Food Pantry Calls on the Community as Need Grows During Shutdown
Next to the Buxton United Methodist Church, the Cape Hatteras Food Pantry has always been a quiet source of hope. But this season, as the federal government shutdown continues and national food assistance programs are paused, that hope is being stretched — and local volunteers are asking for help to keep island families fed.
The suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for November has left many residents of Dare County suddenly without monthly grocery benefits. While other nutrition efforts like WIC and school meal programs remain funded for now, SNAP’s halt is being felt most acutely in the Outer Banks’ remote communities, where access to affordable food is already limited.
For families on Hatteras Island, the shutdown’s timing couldn’t be worse. The fall “shoulder season” typically brings a slowdown in tourism and employment, and now the pantry — fueled entirely by local volunteers — has become a vital safety net once again.
Neighbors Feeding Neighbors
The Cape Hatteras Food Pantry, operated through Hatteras Island Meals (HIM) since their 2025 merger, continues to run without any government funding or paid staff. It’s an all-volunteer effort built on dedication, dignity, and care.
“Because we serve food, and because we already have such a wonderful volunteer base with HIM, it just made sense to combine efforts,” said Cathy Diemer, Avon Community Manager for Hatteras Island Meals.
The pantry serves clients by appointment only, allowing volunteers to customize each food box for the family’s size and needs. Appointments can be made confidentially via hatterasislandmeals@gmail.com or through Dare County Health & Human Services by contacting Jess Nonnenmacher at 252-475-9320.
How to Help: Food and Donations Needed Now
Community members are encouraged to donate either food or funds to help meet rising demand. Every can, every dollar, and every volunteer hour makes a difference.
Food Donations Drop-Off Locations:
- Frisco Market/Rod & Gun – 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Parish Hall – 24-hour porch drop box
- Cape Hatteras Food Pantry, Buxton – donation box at bottom of entrance ramp
- Surf or Sound Realty, Avon – 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon-Fri
- Surf or Sound Realty, Salvo – 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon-Fri
- Midgett Realty, Avon – 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mon-Fri
- Midgett Realty, Hatteras – 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mon-Fri
- Midgett Realty, Rodanthe – 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mon-Fri
- Sun Realty, Avon – 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mon-Fri
- Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, Hatteras – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon-Fri
- First National Bank, Avon – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon-Fri
- Hotline Thrift Shop, Frisco – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tues-Sat
- United Bank, Buxton – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon-Fri
Most Needed Items:
Canned vegetables, beans, fruits, meats; rice, pasta, and instant potatoes; shelf-stable milk and cereals; peanut butter and jelly; soups, chili, and stews.
Monetary Donations:
Checks can be mailed to:
Cape Hatteras Food Pantry / Hatteras Island Meals
P.O. Box 854
Buxton, NC 27920
Each dollar goes a long way — thanks to volunteer labor and local sourcing, the pantry can stretch donations far beyond typical retail costs.
A Tradition of Care
From ferry outages to hurricanes, the people of Hatteras Island have always come together when times get tough. Volunteers say they’re already seeing that generosity rise again — with donors leaving food at collection points, neighbors organizing drop-offs, and families sharing what they can.
“The island has always looked out for its own,” said one volunteer. “Even when things get hard, we show up for each other.”
As the shutdown continues, the Cape Hatteras Food Pantry remains a reminder that compassion doesn’t stop when funding does — and that kindness, once again, is filling the gap.
To get help or to give help:
📧 hatterasislandmeals@gmail.com
📞 252-475-9320 (ask for Jess Nonnenmacher)