How to Help

Here are some ways to get involved locally in the food security effort.

Capital Area Food Network

Capital Area Food Network Logo

Capital Area Food Network is a community-led nonprofit of Wake County citizens and organizations working together to support, sustain and improve our local food system. We always welcome new voices and members interested in helping reach our mission: To cultivate healthy individuals, communities and economies through vibrant food and farm systems.

Regional Food Security Work Groups

The Wake County Food Security Program assists municipalities and regions of Wake County in forming food security teams.  Regional teams strategize around food security needs specific to their unique communities and are an ideal way to build a strong network for food security partners, advocates, and community members in need.

Currently the following groups are active across the county:

Northern Food Security Team (NCFST)

The NCFST partnership network covers the Wake Forest and Rolesville areas of the county. Meetings are held quarterly.
Northern Regional Food Security Flyer

For more information visit:

East Wake Food Family (EWFF)

The EWFF partnership network covers Knightdale, Zebulon and Wendell areas of the county. Meetings are held bi-monthly.
Eastern Regional Food Security Flyer

Eastern Wake Food Resources Brochure (English & Spanish)

Southern Regional Food Security Group

The Southern Regional Food Security group covers Fuquay-Varina, Willow Springs and portions of Garner and Holly Springs. The group meets bi-monthly.

Southern Wake Food Resources Brochure (English & Spanish)

Western Region Food Security Action Group (WRFSAG)

The WRFSAG food security group covers Cary, Apex, Morrisville and parts of Holly Springs.

AmeriCorps VISTAS

Wake County Food Security benefits from the work of our AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers. Full Time members serve for one year and may build the capacity of programs that increase food security and social and economic vitality of the county. During the summer, VISTA Summer Associates are available to provide direct service to summer meal sites, senior meal sites and nutrition education programs.

If you are interested in hosting an AmeriCorps VISTA member, or have questions about our AmeriCorps VISTA program, please contact:

Leyla Kester
Administrative Coordinator
leyla.kester@wake.gov
919-250-1132

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many opportunities to serve at one of the various community partners of the Food Security Team. Wake County has two food banks that partner with agencies to develop and support food pantries. These include The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and Interfaith Food Shuttle. To receive support from one or both of these food banks, pantries must apply for services. Not all pantries may be accepted, especially if there is a large portion of food services already available in a particular region.

Interfaith Food Shuttle

For general volunteer information visit the Interfaith website.

For more information on becoming a partner agency with Interfaith Food Shuttle, please contact Laura Clay, Agency Relations Manager, at 919-390-1969. Here is an agency interest form.

Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC

For more information on becoming a partner agency visit the Food Bank's website. Interested partners must attend an open house and complete an eligibility questionnaire.