By Ivey Schofield
As Thanksgiving nears, some families in southeastern North Carolina need help putting a hearty meal on the table for Turkey Day.
About 17% of residents in the Border Belt region lack consistent access to food, compared to 7% throughout the United States, according to County Health Rankings.
Here, the Border Belt Independent compiled a list of resources for Thanksgiving dinners in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties.
Bladen County
Spaulding Monroe Cultural Center: Thanksgiving food will be available for pickup from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 508 M.L.K. Jr Dr., Bladenboro. 910-863-3110.
Columbus County
Operation Turkey: The multi-state organization is giving away prepared meals on Thanksgiving Day in several North Carolina locations, including in Columbus County. To request meals, go online to www.operationturkey.com/meal-request. Here are the local locations:
- Facts of Life Church of Whiteville: Pickup and delivery will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Nov. 24 at 506 N. Lee St.
- Facts of Life Church of Tabor City: Pickup and delivery will take place 8 a.m. to noon on Nov. 24 at 24678 Peacock Road.
- First Missionary Baptist Church: Pickup and delivery will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Nov. 24 at 505 S Wilkes St., Chadbourn.
- Victory in Jesus Ministries: Pickup and delivery will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Nov. 24 at 109 N Madison St., Whiteville.
Other opportunities, not associated with Operation Turkey, include:
Facts of Life Church of Whiteville: Groceries will be available at the church Saturday, Nov. 19.
Facts of Life Church of Tabor City: Groceries will be available on Wednesday, Nov. 16, and Friday, Nov. 18.
First Baptist Church Of Lake Waccamaw: Turkeys will be available at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at 300 Old Hwy. 74/76, Lake Waccamaw. 910-646-3727.
Robeson County
The Life Center: Thanksgiving food boxes will be available starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, until supplies last at 498 E. McDuffie Crossing Road, St. Pauls. 910-865-4408.
Robeson County Church and Community Center: A mobile unit will distribute food boxes on Morro Street near the Food Lion in Fairmont starting at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. Boxes are only available to residents of Fairmont, Orrum and Proctorville. 910-738-5204.
Scotland County
Gift of Love: Thanksgiving dinners will be available at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 9460 Andrew Jackson Hwy., Laurel Hill. 910-995-7950.