As students across central North Carolina prepare to head back to school, they need more than just paper and pencils. They need consistent, reliable nourishment so that their academic success can remain top of mind. At Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, we are committed to feeding students across our service area, but this year, we are facing some of our biggest challenges yet.
With food costs rising, funding cuts beyond our control, and changes to federal requirements for food assistance, the need has never been greater. We’re at risk of having to make painful decisions as to which schools and students will receive support from the Food Shuttle. Ultimately, these cuts will affect real students in schools across our service area, leading to more impossible choices in our community.
1 in every 5 children in North Carolina is unsure where their next meal will come from. Additionally, single-parent homes and children of color are more likely to face hunger. Child hunger has been proven to lead to decreased academic performance across all subjects, increased health problems that can have life-long impacts, and an increased risk for developmental differences in how children think, learn, and behave to their peers who are not facing food insecurity.
Feeding a child is more than an act of kindness. It’s a step toward their success in school and in life. When kids are nourished, they can stay focused in class, stay healthy, and stay focused on learning.
That’s why we’re launching our 2025 Back to School campaign, with the goal of raising $250,000 to provide meals for children in our community who need them most. Your support will help us ensure that we will not have to make significant cuts to our BackPack Buddies and School Choice Pantries; essential programs that provide weekend and after-school meals to children and their families.
Thanks to 4 Others Foundation and Chiesi USA, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $55,000, now through September 19. Together, we can ensure that every child gets a strong start this school year.
