THE SPARTAN’S TABLE – JAMES SPURNT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Located on the Campus in Kenansville, NC
Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries supports five Pantries throughout the County. The “Spartan’s Table” located at James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) is located on its campus. Spartan’s Table is a nutrition/food distribution center at JSCC and is sponsored by Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries and Single Stop. Through this partnership with DCOM, Spartan’s Table can pick up food twice a month from the Food Lion located in Wallace because of the partnership with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina located in Raleigh and monthly from the Food Bank located in Raleigh. For almost two years, Spartan’s Table has distributed to food to students, faculty and staff. The only qualification to get food from Spartan’s Table is to be a current JSCC student, faculty, or staff member or referrals. Referrals will be generated at DCOM for individuals (seniors) or families who are living in the Kenansville area that are experiencing a food crisis. Single Stop is a grant funded program on campus at JSCC whose purpose is to provide a “one-stop-shop” that aims to connect students with the assistance they need to meet their most basic needs outside of the classroom to succeed inside the classroom. The Single Stop program aims to address the needs of students on campus in practical ways. Whether it’s through The Spartan’s Table nutrition/food distribution center, a partnership with Duplin County Transportation to provide free transportation for students, a coat closet, free tax preparation though VITA or referrals to DCOM and other area agencies like DCOM. Single Stop is there to assess and assist students for them to achieve their goals.
Spartan’s Table relies on Student and Staff volunteers to operate. It is a challenge to get and keep a group of regular volunteers. Volunteers from local churches, individuals and groups are welcome. If you desire to volunteer you will need to contact The Spartan’s Table, James Sprunt Community College, Mrs. Martinez or Mrs. Merritt at Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries. It is a challenge to get and keep a group of regular volunteers. Students’ class schedules and changing class work can prevent them from helping on a regular basis. Work deadlines and projects interfere with staff and faculty ability to help on a consistent basis. However, even with these challenges, Spartan’s Table served approximately 1,897 individuals during the 2017 year.
