The Emergency Assistance Food Program, also known as TEFAP was at one time held at other locations around Craven County, including the fairs grounds. However, many of the people served by this program had difficulty getting to those locations so DSS asked RCS if we would help to facilitate this program as our location is accessible to more people.

DSS pre-qualifies people in advance and then sends out a “referral” to all those that met the qualification guidelines. Additionally, DSS publicizes the requirements for qualification and people can register at the distribution point (RCS) on the day of the event.

In the past, people were asked to stand in a walk-up line to receive their distribution. However, as more and more people are in need and the lines grew unmanageably long, a new plan was formulated to include both walk-up & automobile drive-up service. This change has helped shorten the length of time it takes to dispense all the food packages and relieve traffic in the area.

The TEFAP program takes several days to to prepare and run. The day of the event food distribution begins at 8:am and continues until all persons have been served.

The walk-up service is designed to assist those in the immediate George St. vicinity .  That line forms at 919 George St (RCS building).

The automobile service line is designed to serve those that must travel a longer distance (RCS services  all the communities of Jones County, Pamlico County and Craven County). The automobile line forms at the corner of Cypress & Howard Streets.  There will be Police Officers, signs and traffic pylons to help keep the line going in the proper direction.  Vehicles can get in line as early as desired.

In addition to the stations setup to distribute food, there are also stations to help with paperwork assistance.

This is just one more excellent example of our local communities working together to help one another.  The planning and execution of the TEFAP service involves many different groups and organizations from Craven, Jones, Pamlico and Onslow Counties, RCS volunteers, RCS staff and Department of Social Services.  All of these agencies and individuals have worked together designing and implementing the most efficient service possible.

You can view a map outlining the path for the drive-up service and the location for the walk-up service during  “The Emergency Food Assistance Program” (TEFAP) by clicking here.

2012 TEFAP Schedule

Thursday March 15, 2012

Thursday June 21, 2012

Thursday September 20, 2012

Thursday November 15, 2012