September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity in America.

According to the USDA's most recent data, 13.7% of U.S. households were food insecure at some point in 2024. That's 18.3 million Americans. That same year, 11.8% of households in North Carolina were food insecure. In Wake County, 11.1% of the population is food insecure, 51% of which do not qualify for federal nutrition programs, making it harder for them to receive the support they need. Food insecurity is defined as when people do not have enough to eat, and they do not know where their next meal will come from. Food insecurity and homelessness are inextricably linked. Though food insecurity often precedes the loss of a home, as high rental costs force families to sacrifice nutrition budgets to pay for housing, the reality of homelessness deepens malnutrition. Our unhoused neighbors or those living in unstable housing are often forced to rely on irregular and low-quality food. Oak City Cares was born out of collective action by the community to provide meals for our unhoused neighbors in Raleigh. Through our Weekend Meals program, we ensure that nutritious meals are served three times a day every weekend (and most holidays). Join us this Hunger Action Month as we recognize the (often invisible) persistence of food insecurity in our community, and take action to make sure no one goes hungry in Wake County. #endhomelessness #nonprofit #ncnonprofits #celebration #oakcity #wakecounty #wakecountync #raleigh #raleighnc #homelessness #philanthropy #hungeractionmonth #foodinsecurity