The Carolina Hurricanes Foundation is a longtime supporter of Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and our programs designed to relieve hunger in our community. 2022 marks the third of a three-year, $150,000 funding grant from the Foundation designed to expand child hunger programs in rural counties in the Food Shuttle’s service area. While hunger impacts 1 in 6 children in North Carolina, children in rural areas are affected at a much higher rate. Child hunger is estimated to reach 16.1% of the population in Johnston County, 24.8% in Nash County, and 34% in Edgecombe County (Feeding America, 2022). Targeting relief efforts in these counties has had critical impact, with measurable, long-term results.
With the support of the Hurricanes Foundation grant, the Food Shuttle has added eight BackPack Buddies programs and eight School Pantries to schools in Johnston, Nash, and Edgecombe counties, in spite of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs help to ensure that children have access to nutritious food, in addition to the free and reduced-priced breakfasts and lunches they receive during the school day. Improved nutrition adds up to improved learning, increased school attendance, and better overall health for the students.
“We are grateful to see the growth in our partnership with Inter-Faith Food Shuttle over the past three years,” said Lindsay Robertson, Director of Community Relations & Carolina Hurricanes Foundation. “Together, we have been able to help fight childhood hunger by creating School Pantries and expanding the BackPack Buddies program. We are proud to stand with Inter-Faith to be an agent of change in our community.”