TABLE Celebrates Full Renovation, Operations in New Carrboro Location With Ribbon Cutting

Despite being in their newer location in downtown Carrboro for more than a year, the nutrition nonprofit TABLE has a lot of celebrate — and did so by holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday.

TABLE’s leaders and community dignitaries gathered at 311 East Main Street to cap off its full renovation of its permanent space, sharing tours to display its improved loading dock for trucks, a walk-in cooler and expanded, fully-functional kitchen. The projects are some of the long-term changes TABLE made after moving into the building last January as it transitioned from the 209 East Main Street space to a larger location just a block away. After fundraising through 2023, the nonprofit reached the $3.25 million necessary to complete the purchase of the space — which is four times bigger than its prior home — free of any debt.

TABLE Executive Director Ashton Tippins (center, with scissors) and Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee (center, right) stand with other TABLE staffers to cut the ribbon at 311 East Main Street. (Photo via the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro.)

With the move, TABLE says it has increased the number of children it serves from 850 to more than 1,100 each week through its TABLE@Home food access program, which delivers a mix of fresh produce and non-perishables to families’ front doors.

“We are so grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from our community over the years and especially at the ribbon-cutting ceremony,” Executive Director Ashton Tippins said. “Thanks to everyone who came out and helped make our new space a reality – it’s truly a reflection of what we can accomplish together. At TABLE, we’ve always believed that every child – no matter their background – deserves access to fresh, healthy food. Our new home allows us to serve more children, engage more volunteers, and keep building the kind of inclusive, caring community where everyone is welcome.”

TABLE has operated in Orange County since 2008, starting as a weekly food assistance team delivering food for a dozen Chapel Hill-Carrboro elementary students. Since then, its operations have expanded to cover children of all ages throughout the county — including introducing the TABLE Marketplace model in the summer of 2021, which allows families to pick out food in a grocery-style setting at TABLE’s office. In total, the nonprofit has shared more than 3.4 million meals and snacks with 91% of participating families attesting that their children eat more fruits and vegetables than the families could provide for them alone.

Featured photo via TABLE.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

‹

Top Stories of 2025: Federal Funding Cuts Hit UNC, Nonprofits and Local Residents

One of the defining stories of 2025 was the impact of federal funding cuts on our community - from nonprofits to research and beyond.

On Air Today: The State of Hunger Relief Efforts in the Triangle

Aaron welcomes two local hunger-relief leaders to discuss hunger-relief efforts in our community - which are facing multiple pressures.

On the Porch: Melissa Driver Beard and Rebecca Hankins - Battling Food Insecurity in Chatham

This Week: Melissa Driver Beard, CORA, Executive Director Melissa has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management, including 20 years in executive leadership. She has directed local, state, national, and international programs that advocate for basic human needs and rights. Under Melissa’s leadership, CORA has achieved over a 200% increase in income and an 88% rise in direct client services, demonstrating her ability to drive transformative growth. With a background in global advocacy, program development, and organizational capacity building, Melissa has championed solutions to food insecurity since 2009, fostering collaboration and sustainability. Rebecca Hankins, CORA, Development and Communications Director Rebecca brings more than 20 years of experience as a skilled fundraiser, communication strategist, and project manager. During her tenure at CORA, she spearheaded initiatives that increased fundraising revenue by 250% and expanded donor support by 50%. Rebecca is known for her creative approach to donor engagement, digital and traditional media strategies, and rebranding efforts that elevate CORA’s visibility. Her expertise lies in leveraging partnerships and technology to ensure program sustainability and community impact.

CORA Set To Take Over Siler City Food Pantry Despite Federal Funding Cuts

As Chatham County continues to grow, CORA is looking to increase its food services. But threats to federal funding may hinder those goals.

Orange County Recommends Tax Increases for FY27 Budget; Chatham County Could Keep Rate Flat

Both Orange County and Chatham County revealed their budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year this week. Here are the highlights.

UNC Club Brings Solar Energy to TABLE, Saving the Pantry Money and Expanding Food Access

While not visible to those passing by, something new decorates the rooftop of TABLE’s downtown Carrboro facility.

Food Banks Step Up, But Need Help - Dec. 9, 2025

The Hill's Andrew Stuckey speaks with CORA's Melissa Driver Beard, TABLE's Suzanne Tormollen, and PORCH's Erin Riney. They discuss the new challenges facing organizations battling food insecurity in our community, and the sense that their role is becoming more permanent. They also discussed the specific challenges faced in our community around food insecurity, and what is needed to improve their effectiveness. They also talked about the sea-change moment when SNAP benefits were withheld during the government shutdown, and more.

GUIDE: Where to Find Food Resources In Orange and Chatham Counties

Here's our guide to where residents in both Orange and Chatham can find food assistance and services as SNAP funds run dry.

'The Needs Keep Growing': Local Non-Profits Discuss Impact of Lack of SNAP Benefits

After officials in the Trump Administration concluded last week they cannot legally use a $5 billion contingency fund for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid the ongoing government shutdown, the local non-profit TABLE said it will continue its work of fighting food insecurity in the Chapel Hill and Carrboro communities. Wednesday, October 29 marked […]

TABLE Celebrates Full Renovation, Operations in New Carrboro Location With Ribbon Cutting

TABLE's leaders and community dignitaries gathered at 311 East Main Street in Carrboro to cap off its full renovation of its permanent home.

›