For over 10 years, Reverend Barbara Hubbard has been a dedicated member of St. Julia AME Zion Church in Onslow County, North Carolina. Helping to establish the church as a partner agency with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is more than just civic duty. For Barbara, it’s something that was always ordained in her to bring to fruition.
“For me, it’s a special calling that gives me opportunities to minister to my community inside and outside of these four walls. I don’t take this for granted,” Hubbard said.
Reverend Hubbard’s community outreach began with delivering 10 -12 boxes of food every Friday to church members with just her car. What was only a weekly route quickly turned into Reverend Barbara needing extra support and resources to better serve people in her congregation and other members of the community.
Soon Reverend Hubbard connected with the Food Bank Branch in New Bern where she was able to coordinate weekly pickups of food with the help of church staff and volunteers.
Since 2016, and almost 5 years after Hurricane Florence, Reverend Hubbard continues to pack boxes of food and other necessities to distribute every Friday.
Hubbard knows managing a weekly truck delivery doesn’t happen without the help of volunteers.
“We have about 20 volunteers who help prep and organize the 8-10 pallets that are delivered from the Food Bank in New Bern. These volunteers give their time and energy every week and represent other churches and organizations here in Onslow County.”
In the future, Reverend Hubbard hopes to have a commercial space and truck to store and transport food.
Hubbard adds, “The needs in our community are growing. The Food Bank continues to be a great resource in making sure these needs are met.”
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