CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A nonprofit is offering online pantry shopping, which the organization states is the first one in the state.

Nourish Up, formerly known as Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, offers a grocery online order program to those who can’t shop in person. 

Tomiko Kirkland, who used the program in March, said she turned to the organization for support last year after she stopped working due to health issues. 

“I’m so appreciative. I really am,” Kirkland said. 

Initially, she asked someone for a ride to be able to shop in person. Earlier this year, she ordered the items online for delivery.

“Being my health condition, it’s so great to get this stuff delivered to me,” Kirkland said. "I smile all the time when I see the different things.”

Nourish Up program and nutrition services coordinator Chasidie Glover is one of the employees who receives the submitted orders.

"Once a client receives a link from our social services coordinator, they can come on here and order the groceries,” Glover said. 

Nourish Up partnered with Instacart to add its grocery items to its website. 

“They would be getting similar items that they chose if they were to make it to a pantry,” Glover said. 

Glover said this online grocery program for a pantry is the first of its kind in North Carolina.

“We’re able to offer that choice and delivery to their doorstep,” Glover said. 

The nonprofit started the program in 2022, and it has been growing steadily ever since. 

“Since we started, it has tripled, if not quadrupled,” Glover said.

Last December, the nonprofit served 290 people. In January, that number rose to 493, and in February it was over 600. 

“We are serving individuals we have never seen before as far as services,” Glover said. 

Kirkland is grateful for the help. 

“I love it. I really do love it,” Kirkland said. 

The process from ordering to delivery takes two days. 

Nourish Up recently moved to a larger space at 901 Carrier Drive in Charlotte, which will allow the program to grow.