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.
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!
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.
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.
2026/2027 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 The Wake County Cooperative Extension.
2026-2027 AmeriCorps VISTA Contact Information
Name | Position | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| PENDING | VISTA Leader | Wake County Cooperative Extension | |
| Abigail De Jesus | Volunteer, Outreach, and Partnerships | Wake County Cooperative Extension | abigail.dejesus@wake.gov |
| Alyssa Carman | Communications Strategist | Wake County Cooperative Extension | alyssa.carman@wake.gov |
| Noyah King | Volunteer, Outreach, and Partnerships | Wake County Cooperative Extension | noyah.king@wake.gov |
| Sully Jones | Local Foods Specialist | Wake County Cooperative Extension | sullivan.jones@wake.gov |
If you are interested in hosting an AmeriCorps VISTA member or have questions about our VISTA program, please reach out to:
Carlos Morales
Food Security Program Manager
carlos.morales@wake.gov
919-250-3795
Farm to Early Care and Education
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 also 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.
To learn more about these initiatives and explore additional details, visit the Local Foods page.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a federal initiative passed in 2021 to provide economic relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. It allocated funds to support public health, economic recovery, infrastructure, and community services.
Wake County Cooperative Extension supports ARPA by implementing community-focused programs funded through ARPA allocations. These efforts include:
- Expanding access to fresh produce.
- Youth development and education.
- Support for farmers and small businesses, helping them recover and grow post-pandemic.
- Health and wellness programs that promote nutrition and mental well-being.