The month of March is known for its energetic competition. Among the excitement of March Madness, there was another spirited contest that took place in the Tarheel State: The NC Legal Feeding Frenzy (LFF). The NC Legal Feeding Frenzy is an annual joint program of the NCBA Young Lawyers Division and Feeding the Carolinas food banks. Led by the State Attorney General’s Office, the NC Bar, and Bar Foundation, have committed to creating a competition surrounding how many donations and funds can be raised to help those in need. Organized by Feeding the Carolinas, the program directs funds raised to food banks selected by participating firms. Inter-Faith Food Shuttle is one such food bank, and has been selected by many law firms and organizations in the Triangle.
During COVID-19, there was a 57% increase of those in need according to Feeding the Carolinas. This growing need raised awareness in the legal community. “Helping those who are hungry is always important, but right now it is urgent,” Josh Stein, the North Carolina Attorney General said of the growing need for nutrition and family care. “We in the legal community here in North Carolina can make a real impact fighting hunger in our state.” In response, the NC Legal Feeding Frenzy was created, encouraging fundraising through competition.
The LFF has become a preeminent event for Feeding the Carolinas and its member food banks. The law firm, school, or organization with the highest average individual donation is awarded the “Attorney General’s Cup.” Attorney General Josh Stein presents additional awards in categories including Sole Practitioner, Small Firm, Medium Firm, Large Firm, Law School, Government/Public Interest, and Corporate/In-House Counsel.
In March of 2020, the campaign raised $200,000, exceeding their goal of $75,000. That gift during a time of uncertainty was a lifeline to many families. This year, the bar has been raised, and once again has exceeded its limit. This year’s total was announced by Josh Stein as having raised $225,000.
We want to especially thank these teams for their direct support and fund raising of Interfaith Food Shuttle’s mission. The law firms we would like to thank include: Team Fox Rothschild (Raleigh), Team Legal Aid of NC (Raleigh), Raleigh TCA/SLP, Durham, Durham East, Pittsboro, Admin Office, Helpline Office), Team Mason Law Office, PLLC, Team Michael Best & Friedrich (Raleigh), Team Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, Team New South Law Firm, Team North Carolina Department of Justice, Team Hendren, Redwine, and Malone, PLLC, Team Kennon Craver, and Team Nexsen Pruet, NC.
These teams have dedicated themselves to strengthening the Food Shuttle’s mission to serve. We are truly grateful for the legal community’s response to the growing need of their neighbors. As we move forward together, the Food Shuttle’s resolution remains strong in striving for a hunger free community.