COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - With concerns about the impact our farming methods are having on the environment, a growing number of people have turned to homesteading, growing large amounts of the food they eat and even raising their own animals.

That means it is not unusual to see more people raising chickens, and Ronald Hayes and Malissa Gantz do just that.

"Well, basically, all of my life, but I've had this group of chickens for about three years," said Columbus County farmer Raymond Hayes.

Gantz also started raising chickens about three years ago.

"We decided that we wanted to raise chickens as a home school project and the idea was we were going to raise them for a month or so, and then give them a friend in the country, and, boy, within a day or so, we were just hooked," said Gantz, who has chickens in her backyard in the Myrtle Grove area of New Hanover County.

WHITEVILLE, NC (WECT) – Peace Baptist Church will be hosting a free Thanksgiving meal Thursday to anyone interested, according to event organizers.

Food will include turkey, ham and more.

The dinner will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, call David Ransom at 910-770-1271.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

SOUTHEASTERN NC (WECT) – Coffee addicts who plan to take part in voting on Election Day this year are eligible for a free cup of coffee from area Bojangles’.

According to a news release from a restaurant spokesperson, voters who display “I Voted” stickers Tuesday will receive a free cup of the company’s BoJo coffee with any purchase.

Bojangles’ describes its BoJo coffee as “a freshly-brewed medium roast, premium blend coffee made from 100 percent Arabica beans.”

Participating Bojangles’ include the ones in Wilmington, Leland, Southport, Whiteville and Hampstead, according to an official who works with the company.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.