At Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, one of our fundamental pillars is to feed. Through our collaboration with partner agencies across our seven-county service area, we distribute nutritious food to our neighbors who are facing food insecurity. These partners, strategically placed in areas of high need, are crucial in our efforts to combat hunger. Thanks to the Feeding America Retail Agency Capacity Building Grant (RAC Grant), we’ve been able to take a significant step forward in enhancing our collective ability to address food insecurity in our community.
What is the RAC Grant?
The FY23 Feeding America Retail Agency Capacity Building Grant is an exciting opportunity aimed at strengthening food banks’ retail rescue programs. Across all grantee food banks, this initiative provides an estimated $12 million to improve the capacity of agency partners, ensuring equitable access to nutritious food. A primary focus of the grant is to enhance the capacity of agencies to carry out direct pick-ups at retail store locations, particularly in rural areas or communities of color, where food insecurity is often more pronounced.
This includes strengthening the ability to gather perishable food donations, expanding access to underserved areas, and improving the logistics behind food recovery efforts. We want to ensure that all communities have equitable access to healthy food.
The Impact of the Grant on Our Agency Partners
The RAC Grant has provided tangible support to a number of our agency partners, helping them improve their ability to distribute food efficiently. Here’s a look at some of the key investments made possible by the grant:
Refrigerated Vehicles
To ensure that perishable food is transported safely, several agencies received refrigerated vehicles, which are crucial for preserving the quality of donated food and expanding their capacity with local retailers. The following agencies were all recipients of these vehicles: Inter-Faith Council for Social Services, Operation Nayhelle, Clayton Vineyard, Greater Waltown, Pilgrim Baptist, Western Wake Crisis Ministry, and Lincoln HolinessShelving and Storage Equipment
Many agencies received storage equipment to better organize and store food. Operation Nayhelle received wire shelving, scales, hand trucks, a freezer, and a cooler. Western Wake Crisis Ministry and Alliance of Aides were also equipped with shelving, freezers, coolers, and other necessary items to optimize food storage and accessibility.Transportation and Handling Tools
In addition to storage equipment, some agencies were provided with tools to help with the movement and transportation of food. For example, Tri Area Ministry received an electric ride-on pallet truck, and Raleigh Dream Center received a similar electric pallet truck along with a truck lift gate and a freezer.Additional Key Equipment
Several other agencies received critical equipment to better serve their communities. For example, Pilgrim Baptist received utility carts, radios, coolers, freezers, and a manual pallet jack to improve food handling. Agencies like West Chatham Food Pantry and Durham Community Food Pantry received coolers, freezers, and manual pallet jacks to increase food distribution capacity. The grant also invested in logistical equipment that is crucial to distribution. Items like tables and chairs were provided to agencies such as Clayton Vineyard and North Carolina Central University to facilitate distribution and support community engagement. Tarboro Community Outreach received grocery carts to improve the process for individuals picking up food.
A Holistic Approach to Hunger Relief
The RAC Grant’s investment is a vital part of Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s larger strategy to reduce food insecurity in our service area. By empowering our agency partners with the tools, vehicles, and infrastructure they need, we can work together to serve even more individuals and families who rely on food assistance. Each agency’s strengthened capacity ensures that we are not only addressing immediate food needs but are also laying the groundwork for long-term solutions to hunger.
From refrigerated vehicles that ensure food remains fresh to shelving and pallet trucks that streamline the distribution process, these investments are having a direct, lasting impact on the communities we serve. Additionally, these efforts help to bridge gaps in rural areas and communities of color, where access to food resources is often more limited.
A Future of Equitable Access
As we continue our work with our partners, the RAC Grant gives us the tools to expand our reach and improve our service. This partnership with Feeding America has proven to be more than just an opportunity for growth—it’s an opportunity to ensure that every neighbor, regardless of their background or geographic location, has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
Together, with the support of Feeding America and our dedicated agency partners, we are building a more resilient food distribution system, empowering our community, and ensuring that no one in our service area goes hungry.
For more information on how you can help or get involved with the fight against food insecurity, please visit www.foodshuttle.org
