The Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina: A Culinary Lifeline for Raleigh and Beyond

The Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina (FBE) is a beacon of hope for our community, a culinary lifeline that nourishes the hungry and empowers them to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. With a vast service area spanning 34 counties, including Raleigh, FBE stands as a pillar of support for those facing food insecurity.

The Sobering Reality of Food Insecurity in Raleigh

In a city brimming with affluence, it's heartbreaking to realize that hunger remains a pervasive issue. According to Feeding America, over 115,000 people in Wake County, where Raleigh is located, are food insecure. That's one in five of our neighbors struggling to put food on their tables.

FBE: A Beacon of Hope

Enter the Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina, a beacon of hope shining amidst the shadows of food insecurity. Established in 1980, FBE has been tirelessly working to alleviate hunger by providing food and resources to families and individuals in need.

Services Far and Wide

FBE's reach extends far and wide, providing essential services to the community:

• Food Distribution: FBE partners with over 400 agencies to distribute food to food pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations that serve the hungry in our area.
• Mobile Food Pantry: FBE's Mobile Food Pantry brings nutritious food directly to underserved communities, reaching those who face transportation challenges.
• SNAP Outreach: FBE assists low-income individuals and families with applying for and navigating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.
• Nutrition Education: FBE offers a range of nutrition education programs to help individuals make healthy food choices and develop cooking skills.

Hunger by the Numbers

The staggering impact of hunger in our community is evident in these sobering statistics:

The Economic Impact of Hunger

Hunger is not just a moral issue; it also has a profound economic impact. The Food Research and Action Center estimates that food insecurity costs the United States $167.7 billion per year, with nearly half of that cost attributed to healthcare expenses.

FBE: A Catalyst for Change

FBE is not only a provider of food; it's also a catalyst for change. By collaborating with community organizations, businesses, and government agencies, FBE is creating a future where every Raleigh resident has access to nutritious, affordable food.

Making a Difference

Over the past four decades, FBE has made a tangible difference in the lives of our community:

• Food Distributed: Since its inception, FBE has distributed over 246 million pounds of food to those in need.
• Lives Impacted: FBE's programs and services have touched the lives of over 1.5 million people in Eastern North Carolina.
• Community Involvement: FBE relies on the support of over 1,200 volunteers who donate their time and energy to help fight hunger.

Stories of Hope

Behind the statistics and the headlines, there are countless stories of hope and resilience. Here are just a few:

Story 1:

Sarah, a single mother of two, was struggling to make ends meet. She often had to skip meals to feed her children. Thanks to FBE's Mobile Food Pantry, Sarah now has access to nutritious food, allowing her to focus on providing a brighter future for her family.

Story 2:

An elderly gentleman named John had no family to help him as he battled cancer. He was losing weight and his health was declining. FBE provided him with weekly home-delivered meals, ensuring that he had the nourishment he needed to fight his illness.

Story 3:

The Roberts family had just lost their home in a fire. They had nothing left but the clothes on their backs. FBE stepped in and provided them with food, clothing, and toiletries, helping them get back on their feet.

What We Can Learn

These stories teach us that:

• Hunger is often hidden: It's not always easy to see the signs of food insecurity.
• Food insecurity can affect anyone: It's not just a problem for the homeless or the unemployed.
• There is hope: With the support of organizations like FBE, we can end hunger in our community.

Why FBE Matters

FBE matters to our community because it:

• Provides immediate food assistance: FBE ensures that those in need have access to nutritious food today.
• Empowers individuals: FBE's programs and services help individuals develop the skills they need to become self-sufficient.
• Promotes community health: By providing healthy food, FBE helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being.
• Strengthens the local economy: FBE supports local farmers and businesses, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

How You Can Help

There are many ways you can support the Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina and help fight hunger in our community:

• Donate: Every dollar you donate provides four meals to those in need.
• Volunteer: Lend a hand at one of FBE's many events or food drives.
• Advocate: Spread the word about hunger and support policies that help food-insecure families.
• Attend a Fundraiser: Participate in one of FBE's fun and impactful fundraising events.

Call to Action

Together, we can create a community where every Raleigh resident has access to nutritious, affordable food. Join the Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina in the fight against hunger. Your support can make a lasting difference in the lives of our neighbors.

For more information, visit the Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina's website at www.foodbankenc.org.

Additional Resources

• Feeding America: www.feedingamerica.org
• Food Research and Action Center: www.frac.org
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): www.fns.usda.gov/snap