The second Tuesday of every month, the Bryan County Office of The United Way of the Coastal Empire delivers much needed grocery items to residents of Pembroke and North Bryan.

Cars line up and fill the parking lot of the Pembroke Christian Church on Hwy. 280 starting as early as 7:30 a.m. awaiting the grocery delivery, which begins at 10 a.m. Between 250 and 300 households are served monthly, though many more in the area likely qualify for assistance.

"It’s about an eighth of our population," Downtown Development Authority Director Alex Floyd said. "A quarter of our population is under the poverty level, so over a quarter of our people qualify."

The DDA coordinates the event, bringing the work detail assigned to the Water Department in to help with the unloading. Pembroke Advance Communication is also key in assuring that the mobile pantry is a success.

"Pembroke Advance Communication always sends volunteers. They direct the traffic, they help unload the truck. They usually take the leftovers to the Senior Center. They do a lot with this," Floyd explained.

To qualify, individuals must fill out a form on site verifying Bryan County residency and must meet income requirements depending on size of household.

For example, a household of four with a monthly income of $2,628, or less would qualify for assistance.