Local News

Cumberland County food resources, assistance guide

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Tuesday, 11 November 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Food insecurity affects many families in our community, especially during challenging economic times and throughout the holiday season.
Thankfully, Cumberland County is home to a network of compassionate churches, nonprofits, and service organizations dedicated to making sure no one goes hungry. From neighborhood food pantries and free meal programs to seasonal holiday outreach events, these local resources provide essential support to individuals and families in need.
Whether you’re seeking assistance or know someone who is, this guide offers a comprehensive look at the places working every day to nourish hope, dignity, and connection across our community.

Food Pantries
• The Beatitude House Ministries of the NSRBA
2341 Downing Rd., Fayetteville (New South River Baptist Association)
Thur–Fri 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 910-496-0925
• Beatitude House
102 N. Main St., Spring Lake
Thur–Fri 10:30 a.m.–Noon., 1–3 p.m., 910-496-0925
• Operation Blessing of Fayetteville
1337 Ramsey St., Fayetteville
Mon–Thur 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (closed noon–1 p.m. for lunch), 910-483-1119
• Salvation Army of Fayetteville
245 Alexander St., Fayetteville
By appointment Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–noon, & 1–4 p.m., 910-483-8119
• Catholic Charities – Fayetteville Regional Office
726 Ramsey St., Suites 10 & 11, Fayetteville
Mon–Wed 9 a.m.–Noon, 910-424-2020 ext. 2601
• Cliffdale Church / Cliffdale Food Bank
6427 Cliffdale Rd., Fayetteville
3rd Wed monthly (dates may vary); 4–5 p.m., 910-864-4911
• Christ United Methodist Church
3101 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville
Tue 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 910-484-3340
• Fayetteville Dream Center
336 Ray Ave., Fayetteville
1st & 3rd Thu 10 a.m.–Noon, 910-568-3897
• First Baptist Church
302 Moore St., Fayetteville
3rd Wed 10 a.m., 910-483-6505
• Gray’s Creek Christian Center
3028 School Rd., Hope Mills
Mon, Wed, Fri 9 a.m.–Noon, 910-485-3005
• Harry Hosier United Methodist Church
6201 Milford Rd., Fayetteville
1st & 3rd Fri 10 a.m.–Noon, 910-864-6019
• Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church
118 Johnson St., Fayetteville
Tue–Thu 10 a.m.–Noon, 910-868-2770
• Person Street United Methodist Church
509 Person St., Fayetteville
1st & 3rd Sat 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 910-483-4714
• Seth’s Wish
330 S. Cool Spring St., Fayetteville
Tue & Thu 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 910-476-6613
• Simon Temple AME Zion Church
441 Donray Dr., Fayetteville
Tue & Thu 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
910-867-1183
• St. Matthews United Methodist Church
202 Hope Mills Rd., Fayetteville
Tue 10 a.m.–Noon, 910-425-0401
• True Vine Ministries
5301 Morganton Rd., Fayetteville
Tue & Thu 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 910-867-6762
• The Food Pantry (Reilly Road Presbyterian Church)
208 S. Reilly Rd., Fayetteville
Mon & Wed 9 a.m.–Noon, 910-867-5773
• Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
1601 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville
Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 910-484-2134
• Fayetteville Urban Ministry
701 Whitfield St., Fayetteville
Mon–Thu 9 a.m.–5 p.m., 910-483-5944
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast NC
406 Deep Creek Rd., Fayetteville
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 910-485-6923
• ALMS House
3909 Ellison St., Hope Mills
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m. / Tue–Thu 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m., 910-425-0902
• Anderson Creek Community Church
2085 Ray Rd., Spring Lake
Thu 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 910-436-0548
• Cruciform Church of Christ
360 Pinetree Ln., Spring Lake
Twice monthly (call for dates), 910-447-2767
• HAND-EE
12254 Hwy 210 S., Spring Lake
Call for details, 910-497-7100
• Saint Pauls United Methodist Church
406 W. Main St., St. Pauls
2nd & 4th Tue monthly, 910-865-4301
• Loft Assistance Center
62 Joint Rd., Spring Lake
Tue & Thu 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 919-495-1415
• New Hope Baptist Church
293 Bethel Baptist Rd., Spring Lake
1st & 3rd Mon 2 p.m.–3 p.m., 910-497-1033
• Jehovah Jireh Christian Church
1913 Harris St., Fayetteville
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (by appointment), 910-423-1600
• Abney Chapel Community Services Center
330 Old Wilmington Rd., Fayetteville, 910-483-4384
• Abney Chapel Seventh Day Adventist Church
2996 Rosehill Rd., Fayetteville
Call ahead for schedule, 910-488-8146
• Galatia Presbyterian Church
8800 Galatia Church Rd., Fayetteville
Fri 9 a.m.–11 a.m., 910-867-0656
• Veterans Empowering Veterans
325 B St., Fayetteville
Call for hours, 910-223-3213
• City Rescue Mission
331 Adam St., Fayetteville
Call for details, 910-323-0446
• The Church at Cedar Creek
4010 Cedar Creek Rd., Fayetteville
Wed & Thu 9:30 a.m.–Noon, 910-483-6895

Soup Kitchens & Eat-In Programs
• Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch
531 Hillsboro St., Fayetteville
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m., 910-433-2161
• Salvation Army
245 Alexander St., Fayetteville
Lunch daily at Noon, 910-483-8119
• Seth’s Wish
330 S. Cool Spring St., Fayetteville
Hot meals Sundays 1 p.m., 910-476-6613
• Simon Temple AME Zion Church
5760 Yadkin Rd., Fayetteville
Breakfast Sat 7 a.m., 910-867-1182
• St. Matthews United Methodist Church
202 Hope Mills Rd., Fayetteville
Lunch last Wed monthly 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 910-425-0401
• Hoke County Open Door Soup Kitchen
308 N. Main St., Raeford
Tue & Thu 2 p.m. –4 p.m.; Sun 3 p.m.–4 p.m., 910-875-2111
• Manna Dream Center
128 S. King St., Fayetteville
Lunch served Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 910-568-3897

Holiday & Thanksgiving Assistance
• Rivers International Church
113 Foch St., Fayetteville
Thanksgiving meal (call for date/time), 910-670-1354
• We Are One Big Family
Fayetteville Day Resource Center, 128 S. King St., Fayetteville
Thanksgiving meals Nov 27–28, 910-708-0205
• Operation Turkey Fayetteville
606 Johnson St. and multiple locations (see PDF)
Meals Nov 23, 8 a.m.–Noon / 9 a.m.–1 p.m., 682-226-2724
• Robeson County Church and Community Center – Brighter Christmas Program
600 W. 5th St., Lumberton, 910-738-5204

Thanksgiving Boxes of Love Drive
• All About Fitness, Inc., 45 Treetop Dr., Fayetteville, 318-918-8580
• Harvest Family Church
6575 Fisher Rd., Fayetteville, 910-433-3036
• Gethsemane Baptist Church
4300 Blanton Rd., Fayetteville
Wed 6 p.m.–8 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 910-488-8725

Other Food Programs
• Meals on Wheels (Cumberland County Council on Older Adults)
339 Devers St., Fayetteville
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 910-484-0111
• Cumberland County Department of Social Services
1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville
Apply for Food & Nutrition Assistance Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m., 910-677-2433

If you don’t see a resource near you, you can also use the following resources:
• For immediate assistance or to find local food pantries, dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org.
• Use the online tool https://foodfinder.foodbankcenc.org/ to help locate meal sources near you.
• Call your VA care team. If you’re enrolled for VA health care, talk to your doctor, nurse, or social worker, they can connect you directly to local food resources, pantry referrals, and nutrition support programs.

Chamber Military Affairs Council hosts Operation Patriot Pantry food drive for soldiers

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Tuesday, 11 November 2025

Written by Staff Report

Recognizing the current financial pressures faced by military families and the need for immediate, tangible support within the Fort Bragg community, the Greater Fayetteville Chamber Military Affairs Council is hosting Operation Patriot Pantry, an installation food drive to support Fort Bragg soldiers and their families.
The community is invited to contribute non-perishable food items to support those who serve our nation.
• When: Wednesday, November 20, 2025
• Time: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (or until the trucks are full)
• Where: Highland Shopping Center parking lot at 2800 Raeford Rd.
A moving truck, generously provided by Two Men and a Truck, will be on-site to collect donations. Representatives will be available to assist with loading supplies. "Our mission is to support our military community, and right now, the most impactful way we can do that is by providing essential resources to those facing financial strain," said retired U.S. Army Gen. Ferd Irizarry, Military Affairs Council chair. "While we look forward to future socials when conditions improve, our priority today is ensuring our soldiers and their families have the support they need."
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber and its Military Affairs Council encourages businesses and individuals across the region to contribute to this vital effort.
“Our service members and their families support us every day of the year and preserve our country's freedom,” Greater Fayetteville Chamber President/CEO Nat Robertson said. “It's our turn to return that favor.”
For more information about the Greater Fayetteville Chamber Military Affairs Council or Operation Patriot Pantry, visit www.militaryaffairscouncil.com.

Government Watch: Cumberland County elections results; County being sued by architecture firm over downtown Crown

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Tuesday, 11 November 2025

Written by Jami McLaughlin

Congratulations to the newly elected officials!
In Fayetteville, Mayor Mitch Colvin was elected for his fifth term. Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Keefe Jensen will be stepping down from office.
In Fayetteville City Council results:
• In District 1, newcomer Stephon Ferguson will be sworn in a seat that had been held by Jensen for 12 years,
• In District 2, incumbent Malik Davis will serve his second term. Davis received 68% of the vote.
• In District 3, former City Councilman and U.S. Air Force veteran Antonio Jones will serve a second term. He previously served the remainder of Tisha Waddell’s term from 2021.
• In District 4, Councilman DJ Haire will serve his 13th term on the Fayetteville City Council. He received 82.44% of the vote.
• In District 5, Lynne Bissette Greene will serve her second term. She ran unopposed after her challenger Enrique “Ranger Rick” Murillo dropped out of the race.
• In District 6, incumbent Derrick Thompson will serve his third term. He received 76.94% of the vote.
• In District 7, City Councilwoman Brenda McNair will serve her third term.
• In District 8, newcomer and retired Army officer Shaun McMillan won the seat that was vacated by Courtney Banks-McLaughlin who ran for mayor.
• And in District 9, Deno Hondros kept his seat and will remain a council member for this third term.
Other Cumberland County election results include:
• Hope Mills - Mayor Jessie Bellflowers and Hope Page, Grilley J. Mitchell, Bryan A. Marley, Cynthia Hamilton and Lisa F. Tremmel
• Spring Lake - Mayor Kia Anthony and Sona Cooper, Fredericka Sutherland, Jackie Jackson, Tony Burgess and Adrian Thompson
• Eastover - Mayor Charles McLaurin and Kimberly McPhail, Wayne Beard, Jr. and Bruce Sykes
• Falcon - Mayor Clifton L. Turpin, Jr. and Chip Lucas, Sue Brigman, R. Dwayne Dunning and Phillip J. Walters
• Godwin - Mayor Willie Burnette and Joseph Smith, Scarlet McIntyre Hall, Ronald McNeill and George Cooper, Jr.
• Linden - Mayor Frances Collier and Ronnie S. Maness, Jonathan Collier, Barbara C. Denning and Michael Hough. Linden will need to appoint one more commissioner.
• Stedman - Mayor Martin (Mardy) Jones along with Louis Wood and Harvey L. Cain, Jr.
• Wade - Mayor Johnny Lanthorn and Kevin Herring, Beth Ritchie, George E. Strater, Johnny B. Sawyer and Jennifer Dixon Weaver
Cumberland County
EwingCole, an architectural firm based in Pennsylvania with an office in Raleigh, is suing Cumberland County for unpaid fees related to the Crown Event Center project which was halted in March 2025. According to the lawsuit, the county stopped paying invoices in July 2024 and, as of September 1, EwingCole was owed $2.3 million. The county later paid a portion of this, leaving a remaining disputed balance of approximately $1.32 million.
Cumberland County Commission Chair Kirk deViere said that “the billing disputes in question stem from actions that occurred before the [current] board took office in December 2024.”
He further stated that when the board was made aware of these issues in March 2025, they took immediate action by launching an independent investigation. They canceled the project four months later after receiving a comprehensive report from the Hutchens Law Firm. That report has not been made public. County officials have stated that the matter is in active litigation and cannot comment further.
National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee®, a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will allow middle school students (6th, 7th and 8th grades) to participate for the first time in North Carolina this year and Fayetteville through the Greater Fayetteville Chamber was chosen as a regional site. Applications for students officially are open and students have until Feb. 3, 2026 to apply.
For more information about the program including educator resources and how to participate in the 2026 competition, visit www.faybiz.com/civicsbee.
About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

Clubhouse Member’s Lounge opens downtown

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Tuesday, 04 November 2025

Written by Amber Little

Downtown Fayetteville has experienced both its good and bad days. Its evolution can be heard in the stories of residents who have seen decades pass, the businesses come and go, and the “glow up” of the Downtown area. The storefronts along Person and Hay streets are slowly being occupied by new and unique businesses looking to be a part of Downtown’s next chapter. One of those businesses looking to elevate the landscape is The Clubhouse Member’s Lounge. The lounge is a sophisticated, refined lounge for members and their guests, inconspicuously located in the historic Market Square Business Center at 100 Hay St. on the sixth floor.
While the lounge has already hosted some private events for its current membership, the Grand Opening and the official introduction to the community will be on Friday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. Guests who sign up for membership will receive the first two months free. Tickets are free, but registration is required. Those interested in attending can do so online at https://bit.ly/47TcmSL.
The Clubhouse Member’s Lounge is described as “an intimate after-hours space for refined cocktails, conversation, and connection” for Fayetteville’s 30 and up crowd who “appreciate style, connection, and purpose. The vibe is sophisticated. Full-grain leather seating, refined ambiance, upscale décor, and a firm business casual or cocktail attire dress code. Membership to the lounge is not required, but it is highly encouraged, as it unlocks access to exclusive events and specials.”
Eric Washington, a Texas native and founder and CEO of Washington Apparel Company, has been working on bringing the lounge from concept to actualized vision for a while now. The lounge isn’t just a place to unwind and chat with like-minded individuals, but an opportunity to give back.
“The Clubhouse is built on the back of our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The INCspire Foundation, whose mission is to connect people to opportunity. This partnership with Washington Apparel Company allows us to operate The Clubhouse as a private club for ABC permitting purposes. That means every time someone becomes a member, makes a purchase, or attends an event, they’re directly supporting a greater cause helping entrepreneurs gain access to mentorship, resources, and professional development opportunities,” Washington said.
There are several membership options to choose from.
Standard Membership: Open to the public and can be applied for directly through the website at washingtonapparel.com/clubhouse or at the door. The cost is $25/month.
Standard members enjoy access to The Clubhouse during regular business hours, discounts on purchases, a subscription to the monthly event newsletter, and discounts on leasing the space for private events and gatherings.
Emerald Membership: You must apply and be selected. Membership includes private invitations to exclusive events, upgraded daily access to The Clubhouse throughout normal store hours (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), two guest passes per night, and a complimentary membership box. Emerald members also gain access to the Clubhouse Mobile App, where they can connect and network directly with other members, view upcoming events, and engage in their growing online community. The cost if approved is $100/month.
Member Events will include:
• Themes, games, sports, and entertainment nights
• Local authors and conversation
• Group fitness and mindfulness activities
• Curated group trips
• Professional development and networking
• The Supper Club (chefs and mixologists craft intimate five-course dinners once a month).
Washington is excited to bring this experience to Downtown, stating, “The Clubhouse is more than a lounge. It’s a movement centered around connection and community. We’re building something that gives people a place to belong, network, and grow both personally and professionally.”