Beaufort County approves $12,000 for Zion House feeding program with oversight condition

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners approved a one‑time allocation of $12,000 from contingency funds to support Zion House/Zion Kitchen’s feeding and program operations.

Darwin, who identified himself with Zion House, told the board the organization serves about 100 people per day and provides roughly 26,000 meals a year through its feeding operation. He said the group recently purchased a building at 421 Bridge Street that will house a kitchen and programming space and that the organization expects to keep overhead low because the facility is paid for.

During discussion a commissioner moved to take the funds from contingency; the motion included a requirement that the nonprofit sign an agreement allowing county oversight of the additional money. Darwin indicated he had no problem providing receipts and accepted the oversight condition. The motion carried.

Board members said they want to ensure taxpayer funds are spent for the intended purpose (food and related program costs) and asked staff to draft an agreement specifying how the county will review receipts and reporting.

Next steps: county staff will draft a short agreement outlining allowable uses (food costs) and reporting/receipt requirements for the $12,000 appropriation and return it to the board for signature or administrative approval.