Thieves Empty Currituck Farm’s 24/7 Food Pantry; Community Rallies After Holiday Theft
By ObxLedger
Published Dec 29, 2025
4 min read
Pantry Raided by Thieves
A community-run food pantry at Rose Grandy’s MGM Farm on Poplar Branch Road has been stripped bare by thieves, stunning local residents just days before Christmas. The 24/7 self-serve pantry, which is stocked by donations to help families in need, was “emptied” by two individuals who raided the shelves of food meant for the less fortunate. The incident was caught on security camera footage: two suspects can be seen loading up the pantry’s contents into a gray Nissan Titan 4x4 pickup truck. “They just emptied the market for the in need!!!” the farm’s outraged owner wrote on social media after discovering the theft. The break-in left the small farm market – normally filled with free groceries for struggling families – completely bare heading into the holiday.
The Currituck County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the burglary, but as of now the culprits have not been publicly identified or caught. In a Facebook post, Rose (the farm’s proprietor) shared clear camera stills of the pair and their vehicle, asking “anybody know these two?” and warning the thieves to “expect to see the sheriff”. The images, which circulated widely on local social media groups, show what appear to be two adults inside the pantry and the suspects’ truck parked outside. The vehicle is described as a gray Nissan Titan pickup with 4x4 wheel drive. Authorities have not released an official statement yet, but residents have been urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office if they recognize the individuals or the truck from the surveillance images. Law enforcement is treating the incident as a case of larceny targeting a charity pantry, especially egregious given the timing before the holidays.
Community members reacted with anger and dismay on social media upon seeing the footage, calling the act “shameful” and “heartbreaking.” Many noted that stealing from a food pantry is effectively stealing from hungry families. No arrests or charges had been announced at last report, and the investigation remains ongoing. The farm and local authorities are hopeful that tips from the public will lead to the identification of the thieves.
the tight-knit Currituck community has rallied to support the pantry and ensure its mission continues. Rose Grandy emphasized that the pantry is intended “(in need) only!!” – serving only those truly in need – especially since it had been filled with special holiday donations to give struggling families “a very good Christmas.” Neighbors were outraged that anyone would abuse this resource, but that outrage swiftly turned into action. Donations began pouring in to refill the empty shelves almost immediately. One local restaurateur, identified as “Cindy from Kevin’s in CJ” (Coinjock), “hooked [the pantry] up” with a large contribution of food, according to the farm’s Facebook update . Another volunteer, Iris, spent time preparing individual meal portions and placing them in the pantry’s refrigerator for those in need
Thanks to these rapid community efforts, the pantry was restocked within days, and its services to families were largely uninterrupted. The farm publicly thanked donors and supporters, urging those in need to “stop by” and pick up fresh supplies Local residents have also offered to help improve security – one post mentioned plans for fixing the muddy parking area and exit road by the pantry, possibly to deter future problems. While the incident was a blow to the volunteer-run operation, it has also spotlighted the generosity of the community: far more people responded to give help than to take it away.
Rose Grandy’s MGM Farm pantry remains open 24/7, and the organizers say they won’t let one bad incident stop them from helping others. “It’s here for the community, and the community has our back,” Rose said in essence through her updates. As the sheriff’s investigation continues, the farm and its supporters are doubling down on their mission. In the spirit of the season, what began as a theft has only strengthened the community’s resolve to feed the hungry – ensuring that local families in need will still have food on their tables this Christmas.
Sources: Local Facebook updates (Rose Grandy MGM Farm) community social media posts; Currituck Sheriff’s Office (investigation ongoing).
