RALEIGH, N.C. — The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is ramping up efforts to address seasonal food insecurity through its annual StopSummerHunger campaign, offering donors an opportunity to increase the impact of their contributions as families face heightened food needs during the summer months.
On July 9, all donations made to the campaign will be triple-matched by supporters, allowing contributions to go significantly further in assisting children and families experiencing hunger. According to the Food Bank, a $10 donation made during the initiative can help provide 90 meals for people in need across the region.
The campaign comes as schools remain closed for summer break, a period that often presents additional challenges for families who rely on school meal programs during the academic year. Without regular access to school breakfasts and lunches, parents and caregivers must provide at least 10 extra meals per child each week, increasing financial pressure on many households.
To help meet that demand, the Food Bank network has expanded its summer programming and is operating dozens of no-cost meal sites throughout its service area through Aug. 22. The sites are designed to provide children and teens with consistent access to nutritious meals during the months when school-based food assistance is unavailable.
Food Bank leaders say the need for community support remains especially urgent as food insecurity continues to affect households across North Carolina.
“Summer is the most challenging time of year for thousands of families struggling to keep food on the table — and the need for community support has never been greater,” said Food Bank President & CEO Amy Beros. “From free meals and activities at neighborhood parks to no-cost pop up markets at local community centers, our network is moving mountains to make sure kids and teens have a happy, healthy school break.”
The fundraising effort is part of the broader StopSummerHunger initiative, which supports local children and families while raising awareness about available food assistance resources.
According to the Food Bank, hunger levels across North Carolina are approaching a near 20-year high. The organization reports that one in five children currently experiences food insecurity in local communities, highlighting the growing need for food assistance and support services.
The Food Bank has worked with local organizations for nearly two decades to provide free meals and enrichment opportunities for children and teens during the summer months. Programs are offered at community centers, churches, summer camps and other accessible locations designed to reach families where they live.
Beyond summer meal programs, the organization also supports an extensive network of food assistance resources. Families can access information on more than 700 local pantries, no-cost markets and delivery programs available throughout the region.
Community partners involved in the initiative say the program provides important nutritional support while also creating opportunities for children to engage with their peers and experience new foods.
“Students come in through our partnership with the Food Bank and they’re able to try new things and enjoy the different food that’s offered,” said Turning Point CDC Executive Director Chalis Henderson. “Kids have access to that food every single day of the week. And we’re grateful to provide this service to our young people.”
The Food Bank’s summer hunger relief efforts are intended to help bridge the gap created when school meal programs pause for the season. Through community partnerships, meal distribution sites and targeted fundraising initiatives, the organization aims to ensure that children and families have continued access to food during one of the most challenging times of the year.
As food insecurity remains a concern for many North Carolina households, nonprofit organizations and community partners continue to play a critical role in providing support and resources to families in need. The StopSummerHunger campaign represents one of the Food Bank’s key seasonal efforts to address those challenges and expand access to meals throughout the summer.
