Food Bank of Central & Eastern North CarolinaOur Statement on USDA Elimination of Vital Hunger Data
We are excited to welcome David Garris, a longtime Food Lion executive, as the new Chair of the Food Bank Board of Directors!
David brings 17 years of Operations experience as Food Lion's Vice President in the Mid-Atlantic Division. We look forward to David's leadership in the fight to end hunger.
As a lifelong resident of eastern North Carolina, David is committed to building a future where no one has to face the impossible choice between dinner and rent. For two years in a row, David helped lead team members from Food Lion FEEDS who volunteered at all six Food Bank branches in just one day. The 2nd Annual 'Food Lion Feeds' Volunteer Day brought together a record-breaking 650+ Food Lion team members across all our locations to nourish our community.
Every pantry I visit, without fail, someone brings up Food Lion. A story about an associate who went above and beyond. A load of protein that showed up right when they needed it. A relationship that feels real, not transactional. That’s the kind of partnership Food Lion built with us. We are so grateful for the work Food Lion does every single day to end hunger in our community. – Amy Beros Food Bank President & CEO
Carol Durant and her husband first began volunteering with the Food Bank after moving to Wilmington just before the COVID-19 pandemic. She saw hunger in her community and wanted to make a difference.
“I mean, we know it’s there; we just don’t understand why it exists with all the resources and wealth this country has.”
The couple volunteered in the warehouse at the Marsteller Street location before the Food Bank expanded and relocated to Greenfield Street.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to work there and do what we can to help out."
She says this is what keeps her coming back each week.
“It kind of gives you a good feeling," she shared.
Being a volunteer and a monthly sustainer is a way of giving back.
“I feel like we’re blessed ... We have what we need; we have food, but a lot of people out there don’t know where their next meal is coming from, and that’s a scary thing.”
As grocery prices and the cost of living continue to climb, monthly donors can sustain the Food Bank's work to provide meals for local families during the greatest hunger crisis in a generation.
“I’ve always had the belief that a single person cannot do everything needed to eliminate a problem. But that every person can do at least one thing to work toward lessening a problem.”
For those who cannot afford to donate financially, Carol encourages Food Bank supporters to give their time and volunteer.
It gave me a lot of confidence that the money that I’m giving is actually really directly supporting the people that I hope to support. – Kathryn Allen Food Bank Monthly Sustainer
