Judeo-Christian Outreach Center

Who Can Visit?

The food pantry serves individuals and families in need living in South Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore, including Accomack, Chesapeake, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Northampton, Portsmouth, Southampton, Suffolk, Sussex, and Virginia Beach.

Please note: JCOC's Food Pantry is temporarily closed as they prepare to move into the Macon & Joan Brock House on the new Betty B Chidester Campus. They expect to reopen in mid-May 2026.

How Often You Can Visit?

You can pick up nonperishable groceries once every 30 days.

Food & Essentials

The food pantry provides free groceries including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and baked goods. Visitors can also receive nonperishable groceries. Reviewers have noted the pantry has an excellent variety, including salads, fresh fruit, and meats.

How to Pick Up

Visitors come to pick up a food basket at the pantry location. One reviewer shared that you can go through the line again after your first pass to get what's left over.

Additional Support

JCOC also runs a Community Dinner program at Mount Olive Baptist Church (310 N. Birdneck Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23451), serving a free, nutritious meal in to-go containers with bottled beverages Monday through Friday from 5 to 6 PM. People who are homeless or struggling with food insecurity are welcome. An average of 150 people come each night.

JCOC also provides housing support programs, including emergency shelter, transitional housing for veterans, permanent supportive housing, and rapid rehousing for adults experiencing homelessness.

If you're homeless or in a housing crisis, you can call the Regional Housing Crisis Hotline at (757) 227-5932.

Facilities

Reviewers mention that JCOC has a thrift store and a clothes closet on site.

Ways to Give

JCOC welcomes donations to help support their programs. Here's what they accept:

Food pantry donations (new items only, complete baskets preferred):

• Canned meats, fruit, vegetables, soup, and beans
• Rice, pasta, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese
• Stuffing, mashed potatoes, peanut butter and jelly
• Cereal, oatmeal, and grits
• Reusable grocery bags (new)

Other accepted donations:

• Vehicle donations (must pass Virginia State Inspection)
• Bus passes and gift cards (fast food restaurants, grocery stores, Walmart, Target, Wawa, 7-11)
• Coats, hats, gloves, and scarves (winter months only, new or gently used)
• Monetary donations

What they can't accept: open, partially used, or expired food; prepared or catered food; open or expired hygiene products; razors; mouthwash; clothing and shoes; medical supplies.

To drop off food donations, bring them to the Hunger Relief Programs Office at 2744 Robert Jackson Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23452. For all other donations, go to the Administrative Office at 762 Independence Blvd., Suite 100C, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

Appointments are required to ensure staff availability. To schedule a drop-off, contact Krishna Loya, Community Engagement Manager, at kloya@jcoc.org or (757) 491-2846.

You can also donate online at jcocvb.harnessgiving.org/donate.

For information about vehicle donations, planned estate giving, or large donations, contact Kristin Ward, Development Director, at (757) 491-2846 ext. 108 or kward@jcoc.org.

How to Join the Team?

Volunteers are a critical part of JCOC's work. Before volunteering, you'll need to attend a Volunteer Orientation at JCOC's Administrative Office at 762 Independence Blvd., Suite 100C. At the orientation, you'll learn about the programs, how you can help, and the guidelines for volunteering.

You can sign up for the next orientation at jcoc.org/get-involved/volunteer-2/. Once signed up, they'll reach out with more details.

Volunteer groups of all types are welcome, including faith-based and community organizations, businesses, and families. Opportunities include distributing free groceries at the Food Pantry and preparing and serving meals at the Community Dinner.

Current volunteer locations:

• First Lynnhaven Baptist Church, 2744 Robert Jackson Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (Food Pantry Program)
• Mount Olive Baptist Church, 301 N. Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Community Dinner Program)

For more information, contact Krishna Loya, Community Engagement Manager, at kloya@jcoc.org or (757) 491-2846 ext. 102.