Get Meals
Need Food? You're in the Right Place.
If you live or work in Dare County and need groceries, Beach Food Pantry is here to help, with a simple application and an appointment set around your schedule.
There's no shame in needing a hand, and there's no complicated process to get one. Many of the neighbors we serve are facing a temporary crisis, a job loss, an unexpected bill, a hard season, and they simply need food to get through it. Whatever brought you here, you're welcome, and we'll treat you with respect and discretion from the first call to the last grocery bag.
How to get food in three simple steps
Fill out an application
Complete a short online application. It only takes a few minutes, and you can do it from your phone. If you don't have internet access, call our office at (252) 261-2756 in the morning and we'll help you.
We'll reach out to set up a time
Schedule Your Time
After we receive your application, we'll call or text you to schedule an appointment that works for you.
Come shop for your groceries
Access the Pantry
Arrive on time for your appointment, or call as soon as you can if you need to reschedule. When you arrive, you'll shop for the food your family actually needs.
Please note that only one adult member of your household will be able to come in to shop.
Kid-friendly options for every child
Summer Food For Kids
Order up to 15 items per child (0-18 years old) per week. Schedule your pickup, or have us deliver to your home if reliable transportation is a concern.
A feast meal that is meaningful for every family
Holiday Meals
Register now! Order based on your family size* . Schedule your pickup. Come together to give thanks.
More support beyond our shelves
Sometimes a family needs more than groceries, and we're glad to point you toward other local help. We also work closely with other pantries in the area, including Lower Currituck Food Pantry, so if another location is a better fit for you, we'll help you find it. You don't have to figure this out alone. Apply online whenever you're ready, or call us in the morning and a real person will walk you through it.
Our building is open and active all day, but the timing depends on why you're visiting. This quick guide helps you avoid a wait and reach us at the right moment.
If you need food assistance, appointments generally fall between 2:00 and 4:00 PM. Be sure to tell us if you have a special circumstance, and we'll work with you to figure something out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Getting Food
Who qualifies for food assistance at Beach Food Pantry?
Anyone who lives or works in Dare County is welcome to apply. We also have a special carve-out for families in Corolla, who would otherwise face an hour-and-a-half drive each way to reach groceries. If you're nearby and unsure whether you qualify, please reach out, we'd rather you ask than go without.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. Food assistance from Beach Food Pantry is free to the neighbors we serve.
How long does it take to shop?
Plan to be done within about 30 minutes. If you have a family of 6 or more, or you need special accommodations due to a disability, we may need to extend your shopping time.
What can I expect during the In-Store Shopping Experience?
We don't have a waiting room, so we will ask you to remain in your car or in the parking lot when you arrive. One of our team members will come out and check your ID, as well as the IDs of the other members of your household that you have listed. When our volunteers are ready for you, we will come out to get you and bring you in. We'll introduce you to one of our caring volunteers and they will assist you while you shop. They are great resources for cooking tips or helping point out items to be aware of (spicy, artificially sweetened, low/no salt, gluten free, whole wheat, etc) If you are looking for something special, let them know so they can help you keep an eye out for it! Once you are done shopping, they will help you get your groceries to your car if you need assistance.
What will I get when I come in to shop?
We will guide you through choosing what should be approximately two weeks of food based on your family size (please note that this may vary from the number of people in your household). Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we typically have hygiene products and pet food available. In addition, if you have a baby, we have baby products available.
How often can I come shop?
We ask clients to wait at least 30 days between visits. In addition, please note that for 2026, clients are generally limited to 6 full shops per year, not including Summer Food for Kids, Holiday Meals, Mass Text Distributions, etc. That said, our heart is to serve. So, if you have some special circumstance that would require more assistance, we encourage you to explain that on your application or call us to discuss it. If we can't help you directly, we will help you find additional community resources that can.
What if I can't take 2 weeks of food at one time because I have limited space?
We will work with you on this. Please just let us know!
I have special dietary needs, will that be accommodated?
We encourage you to explain that on your application or call us to discuss it. We've been able to help in many situations where there were medical or sensory issues and special products were needed.
I've been to the Pantry in the past. How do I come back again?
Please fill out a new application. We have to get that every time someone comes in because it is considered a snapshot of your household at that moment. Once we receive that new application on our end, it generates a call from us to schedule your next shop.