Overview
The Iredell Community Outreach Association (COAST) is a Statesville, NC non-profit relief agency. Through our community food bank we serve low-income families with free food every 30 days. These families meet our income guidelines.
COAST also houses a charitable resale shop that provides clothing, shoes, and other household items at affordable prices. This allows low-income families, as well as those looking for a great deal, to shop our store and purchase items they cannot afford elsewhere.
Through our Community Outreach Program, COAST provides support, both financially and physically, to families in distress, natural disasters, and homeless.
Why the food bank is needed in our community
Currently, in Iredell County, 7,790 children (19.4%) are food insecure. 12.5% of our overall population is food insecure. Of these community members, approximately 31% of them are ineligible to receive federal nutrition program assistance.
Our goal is to help bridge the gap within Iredell and surrounding counties by providing access to food to those in need. Iredell COAST serves as one of only three large food banks in the area.
Service Demographics
Iredell COAST Resale Shop & Community Food Bank serves customers and clients in Statesville, Mooresville, Troutman, Stony Point, Taylorsville, Elkin, Union Grove, and other surrounding counties and communities.
Strategy and Implementation Summary
Food is collected through physical donations from community members and supporters, as well as local small business. Food is also purchased wholesale through grants and charitable donations.
Food is distributed to clients following a short application process to verify client eligibility.
Evaluation
Since beginning the food bank in late September 2020, and as of February 2021, we’ve served 259 clients and their families, and counting.
We’ve received publicity from local newspapers and news outlets as well as FOX News and WBTV News in Charlotte. Sponsorship partners include our local Walmart, Sam’s Club, EnergyUnited Foundation, and the Dale Jr. Foundation.