Capital Ford Donation Drives Support for CFCC Food Pantry
Picture left to right: Alena Sandlin, CFCC Practical Nursing Student and Capital Ford employee, Jamie Bentfield, Capital Ford, Julie Jones, CFCC Health & Human Services Academic Success Navigator, and Ariana Jones
Wilmington, NC (October 7, 2025) – Cape Fear Community College is celebrating a significant contribution to its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive thanks to the generosity of Capital Ford of Wilmington. The dealership donated over 500 pounds of food, equivalent to $1,046 in groceries, including 528 items from the CFCC Food Pantry’s wish list.
This donation came after a CFCC student employed at Capital Ford shared the impact of the pantry on campus. The dealership responded immediately, providing hundreds of holiday staples benefiting CFCC students and their families.
“We are grateful to Capital Ford for stepping up in such a big way,” said Jim Morton, CFCC President. “This partnership shows what can happen when students, local businesses, and the college community work together to support one another.”
“Capital Ford of Wilmington is proud to partner with Cape Fear Community College and participate in Ford’s Global Caring Month with our donation,” said Josh Barbour, General Manager. “We hope it will help many who struggle with food insecurity in our community. During Ford’s Global Caring Month, Ford dealers come together to donate one million pounds of food to help those in need.”
The donation from Capital Ford builds on the efforts of CFCC students themselves. Through the Novant Pathways Scholarship Program, 59 pre-nursing, medical assistance, licensed practical nursing to associate degree nursing, and associate degree nursing students have already donated more than 300 food items to the pantry, with more on the way.
The CFCC Food Pantry serves up to 100 students each month, offering groceries, snacks, personal care products, baby supplies, pet food, and hygiene products. For the holidays, students in need will be able to request specially packed Thanksgiving bags based on their family size.
The CFCC Food Pantry is sustained through volunteers and donations, making community partnerships like this essential. Recent results from the Student Financial Wellness Survey conducted by Trellis Strategies in the fall of 2024 highlight the importance of these efforts. Fifty-three percent of CFCC students reported experiencing food insecurity, with sixty-three percent of student-parents reporting food insecurity. These findings demonstrate the critical role the pantry plays in ensuring student well-being and success.
Donations to the CFCC Food Pantry can be dropped off at CFCC’s Downtown Campus in the L Building (415 N. 2nd Street), room 108, or at any campus donation boxes. To learn more about the CFCC Food Pantry, visit cfcc.edu/food-pantry/ .
