What We Do
Washburn Community Outreach Center is a neighborhood food pantry, thrift store, and recreation facility. We have a walking track, basketball court, horseshoe pit and playground, as well as a picnic shelter and prayer gazebo for gathering. The recreation area is always open to the public and accessible from the rear parking lot of Salem Church.
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As we listen to our community, we are pursuing collaborative programming in the form of health screenings; educational programming and special events in conjunction regional and local organizations. We are also looking towards strengthening our network through cooperative distribution with other local food pantries and supply agencies.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Food Pantry Frequently Asked Questions
When do you distribute food?
We provide food relief by way of a drive through pantry every week on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 am - 1 pm. Before you arrive, please make room in your trunk for our volunteers to load your box. When you pull in line, please open or unlock your trunk.
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What information do I need to provide to receive food assistance?
In accordance with USDA requirements, we will ask for your name, address, number of people in your household and whether you already receive FNS assistance (formerly known as food stamps). If you receive FNS, you automatically qualify. If not, we will ask for your monthly income and you will qualify based on national standards of number in your household and the income reported. Identification is not required to receive food assistance, nor do we require any proof or documentation of address.
Can I pick up for someone else?
Yes! We understand that often those in need of food relief have mobility or transportation limitations. We welcome and appreciate you offering to help your family member or neighbor. We have a required proxy form they will need to fill out and sign. Please bring this with you when you pick up their food box. It will be valid for one year.
Where does your food come from?
We are a TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) and a Second Harvest Food Bank Metrolina distribution site, meaning most food is purchased by the national government surplus program. We also accept donations from civic led food drives, local farms, local grocery stores, and private citizens.
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Notice of Civil Rights
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
9/7/2022
THRIFT STORE
The Washburn Community Outreach Thrift Store provides affordable clothing and housewares for anyone, without prejudice or qualifications. Thrift store sales support the food pantry purchases and operational expenses of our organization.
We accept donations of clothing or housewares in the blue donation box to the right of our Thrift Store. Please make sure clothing is clean and in good condition for its next owner. Thank you so much for deciding to share your gently used items for the benefit of your community.
