Goodwill Community Cupboard in Aurora will provide access to 
heathy food at reasonable prices.

DURHAM, N.C., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina (GIENC®) today announced the grand opening of its Goodwill Community Cupboard at 150 South 5^th Street in Aurora, N.C. The 7,600-square-foot market, located at the Brantley Tillman Opportunity Center, opened its doors the morning of Thurs., Sept. 10.

As part of GIENC’s Goodwill Feeds initiative, Goodwill Community Cupboard will offer healthful foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, proteins, non-perishable foods, and additional food staples.

Goodwill Community Cupboard is GIENC’s newest program that weaves together the organization’s three mission pillars — education, employment, and life enrichment — in a sustainable and impactful manner. GIENC’s goals are to reduce food deserts across eastern North Carolina, remove barriers to economic success, and provide accessibility to relevant educational programs.

“A growing body of research confirms that equitable access to food, education, and employment opportunities serves as a vital cornerstone of community wellness,” said Christopher Hash, GIENC president & CEO. “These critical resources represent the core social determinants of health that dictate quality of life and longevity.”

Aurora is a Food Desert
Aurora citizens must travel long distances to reach stores where they can buy healthy foods at reasonable prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines “food deserts” as “parts of the country vapid of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods.” At least 500 people and/or at least 33% of the population must live more than one mile from a supermarket or large grocery store. For rural areas, the distance is more than 10 miles, and Aurora and Richland Township easily qualify.

“When families have more reliable access to healthy food, children are better equipped to learn, adults are more reliable at work, and seniors can remain independent longer,” Hash said. “Our Community Cupboard initiative represents the physical manifestation of the organization’s vision of Transforming Lives Through Opportunities. We’re humbled by the opportunity to support Aurora as it continues to thrive and become stronger, healthier, and more vibrant.”

More Benefits to Beaufort County
Hash noted there will also be a community room embedded within Goodwill Community Cupboard that will focus on STEAM-related activities and encourage community engagement. GIENC also operates an employment program and donation center in Washington and supports Beaufort County through initiatives including work force development programs, Goodwill Feeds distributions, and grants to local nonprofits through its Community Empowerment Program.

About the Brantley Tillman Opportunity Center
The Brantley Tillman Opportunity Center is named in honor of Brantley Tillman’s more than 40 years of volunteer service to GIENC, of which 20 years has been as a member of the board of directors. Born and raised in eastern North Carolina, Tillman strongly supports efforts to aid people facing food insecurity.

Additional Goodwill Feeds Support
Earlier this year, GIENC announced its strategic partnership with TABLE to expand the reach of Chefs@Home, TABLE’s established food-kit program serving school-age children in Orange County experiencing food insecurity and their families. This GIENC program also falls under the Goodwill Feeds umbrella.

About GIENC
Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina, Inc. (GIENC^) transforms lives through opportunities. For more than 62 years, GIENC has empowered individuals, families, and communities through employment, education, and life enrichment opportunities. A leader in innovative solutions, GIENC serves 51 counties and operates 43 employment program centers. Proceeds from GIENC stores provide grants to community partners, aid in combating food insecurity, provide free work force development and STEAM educational resources, and support counter human trafficking and veterans outreach initiatives. To donate or learn more about GIENC, visit www.gienc.org.

For additional information, contact:
Jim Cyphert, APR
Innis Maggiore
Ph: 330-501-9886
Email: jim.cyphert@innismaggiore.com

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SOURCE Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina, Inc. (GIENC®)