The Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina: A Lifeline for the Hungry in Wake County

The Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina (FBE) is a non-profit organization that has been fighting hunger in the Raleigh area since 1980. FBE provides food and other essential items to those in need through a network of over 1,000 partner agencies, including soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters.

The Need for Food Assistance in Wake County

Wake County is one of the wealthiest counties in North Carolina, but it also has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the state. According to Feeding America, over 200,000 people in Wake County are food insecure, meaning they do not have reliable access to enough food to meet their basic needs.

Who is most likely to be food insecure?

• Children
• Seniors
• People with disabilities
• People of color
• Low-income families

How the Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina Helps

FBE works to address food insecurity in Wake County by providing food and other essential items to those in need. FBE distributes food through a variety of channels, including:

• Food pantries: FBE operates 10 food pantries in Wake County, where people can come to get food for free.
• Soup kitchens: FBE partners with soup kitchens to provide hot meals to people in need.
• Shelters: FBE provides food to shelters that house homeless individuals and families.
• Mobile food pantries: FBE operates mobile food pantries that travel to underserved communities to provide food to those who may not be able to get to a traditional food pantry.

In addition to providing food, FBE also offers a variety of other programs and services to help people in need, including:

• Nutrition education: FBE offers nutrition education classes to help people learn how to make healthy choices on a budget.
• Cooking demonstrations: FBE hosts cooking demonstrations to teach people how to cook healthy meals using affordable ingredients.
• Community gardens: FBE supports community gardens that provide fresh produce to people in need.
• Backpack Buddies: FBE provides backpacks filled with food to children who may not have enough to eat on weekends.

The Impact of the Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina

FBE's work has a significant impact on the lives of people in Wake County. In 2021, FBE distributed over 23 million pounds of food to people in need. This food helped to feed over 180,000 people, including over 50,000 children.

Here are just a few of the stories of how FBE has helped people in Wake County:

• Maria: Maria is a single mother with two young children. She works hard, but she often struggles to make ends meet. FBE's food pantry provides Maria with the food she needs to feed her family.
• John: John is a senior citizen who lives on a fixed income. FBE's mobile food pantry provides John with the food he needs to stay healthy.
• Sarah: Sarah is a child who lives in a homeless shelter. FBE's Backpack Buddies program provides Sarah with food to eat on weekends.

How You Can Help

There are many ways that you can help the Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina continue its mission to fight hunger in Wake County. You can:

• Donate food: FBE accepts donations of non-perishable food items at its food pantries and donation centers.
• Donate money: FBE relies on donations to purchase food and other essential items. You can donate online, by mail, or by phone.
• Volunteer your time: FBE needs volunteers to help sort and pack food, staff food pantries, and more.
• Spread the word: Help FBE raise awareness about hunger in Wake County by sharing our story with your friends and family.

Why Food Banks Matter

Food banks play a vital role in the fight against hunger in the United States. According to Feeding America, food banks provide food assistance to 40 million people each year. This assistance helps to:

• Prevent hunger: Food banks provide food to people who would otherwise go hungry.
• Improve health: Food banks provide nutritious food that helps people to stay healthy.
• Reduce poverty: Food banks help people to save money on food, which can free up money for other essential needs, such as housing and healthcare.

Benefits of Supporting Food Banks

There are many benefits to supporting food banks, including:

• You can help to end hunger: Food banks rely on donations to purchase food and other essential items. Your donation can help to ensure that people in need have access to the food they need to survive.
• You can improve the health of your community: Food banks provide nutritious food that helps people to stay healthy. Your donation can help to reduce the incidence of food-related illnesses and improve the overall health of your community.
• You can make a difference: Food banks are making a real difference in the fight against hunger. Your donation can help to ensure that food banks have the resources they need to continue their vital work.

FAQs

What is a food bank?

A food bank is a non-profit organization that collects and distributes food to people in need. Food banks typically receive food from food drives, food manufacturers, and grocery stores.

Who can get food from a food bank?

Anyone who is in need of food can get food from a food bank. There are no income or residency requirements.

How can I get food from a food bank?

You can get food from a food bank by visiting a food pantry or soup kitchen. You can also find food banks online or by calling your local United Way.

What types of food do food banks distribute?

Food banks distribute a variety of non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and cereal. Food banks also distribute fresh produce, meat, and dairy products.

How can I donate to a food bank?

You can donate to a food bank by donating food, money, or your time. You can also find food banks online or by calling your local United Way.

What is the impact of food banks?

Food banks play a vital role in the fight against hunger in the United States. Food banks provide food assistance to 40 million people each year. This assistance helps to prevent hunger, improve health, and reduce poverty.

How can I get involved with a food bank?

You can get involved with a food bank by volunteering your time, donating food or money, or spreading the word about hunger. You can also find food banks online or by calling your local United Way.

What are some tips for donating to a food bank?

Here are some tips for donating to a food bank:

• Donate non-perishable food items that are in good condition.
• Donate food items that are high in nutrients, such as canned fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Donate food items that are easy to store and transport, such as canned goods and pasta.
• Donate food items that are culturally appropriate for the people you are trying to help.
• Donate money to a food bank if you are unable to donate food.

What are some tips for volunteering at a food bank?

Here are some tips for volunteering at a food bank:

• Be on time and reliable.
• Be willing to do whatever is needed, such as sorting food, packing boxes, and distributing food.
• Be respectful of the people you are working with, including other volunteers, staff, and clients.
• Be positive and enthusiastic.
• Have fun!

What are some stories of how food banks have helped people?

Here are some stories of how food banks have helped people:

• A single mother with two young children was struggling to make ends meet. She went to a food bank and was able to get food for her family. This food helped her to stay afloat during a difficult time.
• An elderly man was living on a fixed income. He went to a food bank and was able to get food that he could not afford to buy. This food helped him to stay healthy and independent.
• A family was homeless and living in a shelter. They went to a food bank and were able to get food for their children. This food helped to keep their children healthy and happy.

Tables

Table 1: Food Insecurity in Wake County

Table 2: Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina Distribution Data