Here are a few things the Food Bank is focused on this summer to help provide more access to nutritious food and alleviate hunger:

Kids Summer Meals

In the Food Banks 34-county service area, over 300,000 (1 in 3) children are eligible for free or reduced cost breakfast and lunch. With our many partners, the Food Bank is working provide as many of those meals as possible to children and teens, by operating free meal sites. Waivers, which make it easier for children, teens, and families to access these programs, have been extended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meals can be available for pick-up by other family members, and they do not have to be eaten on-site, which helps keep people healthy and safe.

Family Boxes for our Partners

The Food Bank is continuing to provide large, family-sized boxes of food which will be available for pick-up at our Kids Summer Meals sites. Families can use these boxes to ensure the whole family has access to food this summer.

Advocating for and Operating Federal Nutrition Programs

We expect that the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP, or Farmers to Families Food Box Program) will continue through May 2021, providing additional access to fresh foods.

Through funding from the American Rescue Plan, we anticipate seeing additional funds and program guidance coming from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This will help the Food Bank reach more of our friends and neighbors in our 34 counties who are experiencing hunger.

How you can help the Food Bank meet the increased need:

Donate funds:

Because of the strength of community relationships, the Food Bank can stretch the gift of a single dollar to provide 5 meals worth of food for a neighbor.

During the months of June and July, your donation can be DOUBLED thanks to our generous sponsors meaning every dollar you give can provide 10 meals for the community.

Involve your friends:

Want to mobilize your neighborhood, church group, or family? Hosting a Virtual Food Drive is a great way to help while practicing social distancing. Visit foodbankcenc.org/vfd to get started!

Donate food:

Were always in need of the types of shelf-stable items that you pick up for your own family: things like peanut butter, canned tuna fish and chicken, soup, pasta, and canned fruits and veggies. Click here to learn more about hosting your own food drive.

Donate time:

The Food Bank greatly relies on our volunteers, especially in times of crisis. If you are a healthy adult and want to volunteer, you can self-schedule a shift at foodbankcenc.org/volunteer. Current volunteer sessions are being kept much smaller than traditional volunteer groups. This is to best accommodate social distancing while still packing vital food resources, in accordance with guidelines around large groups. We are also limiting volunteering to ages 16-60 at this time, to best protect vulnerable populations.