Summer Food Service Program
The Summer Food Service Program is a USDA-funded meal program that provides free meals to children ages 0–18 when school is not in session. This program is essential in ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months.
Hunger Awareness Month
Hunger Awareness Month is a global acknowledgement that hunger is prevalent in our communities. Wake County Food Security and partners collaborate in efforts to reduce hunger and educate our community throughout the month of June each year!
Hunger Action Month
September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action. Find upcoming local events on this page and join in on the national hunger action campaign with Feeding America.
Youth Food Security Summit
The Youth Food Security Summit is an annual event that provides youth with the opportunity to gain an understanding of food insecurity through workshops, hands-on activities and guest speakers! We hope to empower high school-aged students to join the conversation about hunger and give them the chance to connect with other passionate youths.
Expanded Food & Nutrition Educators (EFNEP)
Through a community-based, relationship-driven, hands-on educational approach, Expanded Food and Nutrition has directly impacted economic, obesity, and food insecurity challenges that hinder the nutritional health and well being of this nation. EFNEP Educators work with families, youth and community organizations across Wake County to teach nutrition education, budgeting, cooking and kitchen safety skills!
AmeriCorps VISTAS
AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a program dedicated to building the capacity of nonprofit organizations and communities to lift individuals and communities out of poverty. Each VISTA volunteer serves for one year, working under core principles that focus on ending poverty, empowering communities, enhancing capacity, and creating lasting, sustainable solutions.
Wake County Food Security greatly benefits from the efforts of our AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers. Full-time VISTA members commit to a year of service, strengthening programs that enhance food security and promote the social and economic well-being of the community.
2024/2025 AmeriCorps VISTAS
The Wake County Cooperative Extension main office intends on serving as both a host site and intermediary sponsor within Wake County in order to build the capacity of our entire food security collective impact model. Currently, our VISTAs serve at four different locations across Wake County:
- Wake County Cooperative Extension
- Urban Ministries of Wake County
- Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
- Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian
2024-2025 AmeriCorps VISTA Contact Information
Name |
Position |
Location |
Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Robin Smith |
VISTA Leader |
Wake County Cooperative Extension |
|
|
Alyssa Carman |
Food Access Specialist |
Wake County Cooperative Extension |
|
|
Ayziah Simmons |
Communications Specialist |
Wake County Cooperative Extension |
|
|
Shayna Villa |
Food Security Operations Specialist |
Urban Ministries of Wake County |
Contact VISTA Leader |
|
Jenifer Bermudez |
Community Health Educator |
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle |
Contact VISTA Leader |
|
Lauren McLaughlin |
Food Security Operations Specialist |
Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian |
Contact VISTA Leader |
If you are interested in hosting an AmeriCorps VISTA member or have questions about our VISTA program, please reach out to:
Leyla Kester
Administrative Coordinator
leyla.kester@wake.gov
919-250-1132
Local Food - FARM2ECE Program
The Farm2ECE program partners directly with childcare providers to ensure that enrolled children receive nutritious, farm-fresh meals, promoting their health and well-being with food sourced from local farmers.
Wake County Cooperative Extension and Wake County Smart Start are excited to announce a new partnership with Farmer Foodshare, to bring you custom orders of fresh, locally sourced produce directly to your door every other week.