Food Bank Market is Saturday in Cerro Gordo

A no-cost food distribution event is set for Saturday at West Columbus High School.
The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina will host the “pop up” market from 10 until noon. There are no ID, residency or income requirements to participate.
The distribution is different because it is more of a “market” setting than the traditional food pantry event, according to Howard Miller of Cooperative Extension.
“Unlike other food distribution events that provide pre-selected and pre-packed containers of goods, this pop-up market allows residents to select the items they need and want from the available offerings,” Miller said.
Selection is based on availability, he explained. Each distribution typically includes eight to twelve pallets of food.
People participating in the market are urged bring totes or boxes to transport their groceries, but it is not required.
If Saturday’s event goes well, Miller said, it could change the face of some food distribution events. Typically, consumers have little choice in what they receive, and some boxes might contain unwanted food items that go to waste.
“This event is part of a trial run for the program,” he explained. “The Food Bank is exploring opportunities to expand and provide more locations across the county in the future. The Food Bank is also open to working with local farmers to provide locally sourced produce for their future pop-up markets.”
He emphasized that Saturday’s event is “not in competition with our County Farmers Market but rather serves as a complementary resource to meet immediate food needs in our community.”
For more information go to FoodBankCENC.org/PopUp-Markets.