Raleigh, N.C. – The Executive Mansion lit up orange Thursday evening during a lighting ceremony to support Hunger Action Month in North Carolina. N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Rick Brajer hosted the event on behalf of Governor Pat McCrory and First Lady Ann McCrory. N.C. Department of Agriculture Chief Deputy Commissioner David Smith, and Alan Briggs, Executive Director of the N.C. Association of Feeding America Food Banks, also spoke at the event. September 2015 was proclaimed Hunger Action Month in North Carolina by Governor McCrory. Read his proclamation here.
“Our state is committed to combating the critical issue of hunger faced by many in our communities,” Governor McCrory said. “Ann and I encourage all citizens to join us this month in raising awareness about the need to end hunger in North Carolina.”
North Carolina has a high percentage of citizens experiencing food hardship every month. Nearly one in four children under the age of five face food insecurity.
"I am proud of North Carolina for its proven dedication to end hunger," said Secretary Brajer. "North Carolina works closely with the N.C. Association of Feeding America Food Banks to educate the public about the important role food banks play in ending hunger as well as raising awareness for the issue."
Approximately 1,400,000 individuals in North Carolina rely on food provided by the members of the N.C. Association of Feeding America Food Banks annually.
In 2014, the N.C. Association of Feeding America Food Banks distributed more than 168 million pounds of food through its network of approximately 2,500 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other community organizations.
Throughout this month, food banks across the country, including the seven members of the N.C. Association of Feeding America Food Banks in North Carolina, will host events to bring awareness and attention and to encourage efforts to end hunger in local communities.
The Lieutenant Governor's office, the Hawkins-Hartness House in Raleigh, and the Governor's Western Residence in Asheville were also lit up to show support.
To learn more about the N.C. Association of Feeding America Food Banks, visit http://ncfoodbanks.org/.