Tailored Solutions: Meeting Needs Across Generations
Across Wake County, different age groups face distinct challenges when it comes to food security. From addressing the critical needs of hungry youth, to supporting college students managing academic demands and basic necessities, and recognizing the often-overlooked issue of senior hunger – our community members encounter a range of food-related obstacles at different stages of life. Our goal is to contribute to a more comprehensive and tailored approach, ensuring food security for everyone in our community.
Youth Hunger
The recipes in this book were put together by the CAFN Youth Circle as well as nutritionists from Poe Health Center. Not only does it provide healthy, easy and delicious recipes that anyone can make, but it also provides helpful resources such as food pantry locations, insights on how to plan a menu, grocery shopping tips, SNAP tips, seasonal produce guides and so much more.
College Hunger
Wake County is home to six universities. Many students struggle to get help because they are unsure of where to look. Often students are facing more than one issue, for example many foods insecure student also struggle to find affordable housing.
Student Resource Guide: A compiled list of resources for any student experiencing insecurity.
Food Assistance Webinar for College Students: Navigate the world of food assistance! Includes Q&A session with NC State's More in My Basket, a student support program connecting North Carolina residents to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Drafted Syllabus Addition for Wake County Professors
It is difficult to be successful as a student when basic needs are not being met. As a student you should have a safe place to sleep as well as nutritious food. If you feel your performance is being affected by either of these factors, please reach out to me, _________________, and/or the student services provided at _________________________. Please check out the Wake County Student Resource Guide for more resources or information.
Senior Hunger
Seniors are an often-overlooked group when it comes to addressing hunger and food insecurity. In Wake County, seniors make up a growing age group – and will continue to do so – over time. In the past decade alone, according to Meals on Wheels, people aged 55 and older have made up over 45% of the county’s overall population growth. At the same time, Feeding America reports that, the Raleigh metropolitan area had the second highest level of senior food insecurity in the country in 2020.
Resources for Seniors – Serving Wake County
919-713-1556
Offers a diverse list of assistance options for Wake County seniors and adults with disabilities. The resource listings fall into several categories, including food, recreation, healthcare, and home improvement.
Food and Nutrition Services
Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) provides eligible participants with benefits to purchase food.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides eligible seniors with a monthly package of food to help meet their nutritional needs. Packages are distributed by approved local agencies across the county.
Meals on Wheels
Delivery of a hot meal (typically lunchtime) and a friendly check-in at a senior’s residence.
Meals on Wheels Wake Friendship Cafes
Nine locations across Wake County offer seniors a hot meal and an opportunity to socialize.
North Carolina Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Provides eligible seniors with benefits to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at area farmers’ markets.
Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
919-875-0707
Major regional food provider that distributes to local pantries and food assistance organizations across central and eastern North Carolina. Also offers pop-up markets in and around
Wake County.
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
919-250-0043
Offers a variety of food-related resources, from healthy cooking and nutrition classes and gardening assistance to mobile markets and a “Grocery Bags for Seniors” program that delivers monthly packages to designated low-income consolidated living communities in and around Wake County.
Here are some ways to get involved locally in the food security effort.
Capital Area Food Network
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:
- Northern Community Food Security Team | Town of Wake Forest, NC (wakeforestnc.gov)
- Food Security | Town of Rolesville, NC (rolesvillenc.gov)
East Wake Food Family (EWFF)
The EWFF partnership network covers Knightdale, Zebulon and Wendell areas of the county. Meetings are held bi-monthly.
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:
Sydney Mierop
Sydney.Mierop@wake.gov
919-250-3795
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.
Resources to Share
Local hunger and food insecurity data
Food assistance or immediate support
Planning or researching food system strategies
How growth and development impact food and farmland
Food Security Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about food security in Wake County. If you have additional questions, please contact Sydney Klein, Food Security Program Manager, at sydney.klein@wake.gov or 919-250-3795.
How does SNAP work?
- SNAP helps low-income households with monthly food expenses. It helps those who are eligible to be able to afford more nutritious and needed food by providing supplemental support.
- To find out if you qualify:
- Read more about SNAP
What is WIC?
- WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. It is a federal program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition and breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and community services. WIC serves babies and children up to age 5, pregnant women, and new mothers.
- The program does not require a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, or a background check to receive benefits.
- To find out if you qualify, visit WIC Program.
Can I have WIC and SNAP?
Yes! Families who are eligible for both WIC and SNAP can receive both.
How do I find out if my child's school has a food pantry?
If you or your children are enrolled in a Wake County school and would like to know if your school has a pantry, please contact Michael J. Pesce, Director of Social Work, at mpesce@wcpss.net.
Which markets take SNAP?
Volunteer Opportunity Submission Form
If you know of or are offering any food or hunger related volunteer opportunities, please share them through the form below! They will be compiled into a volunteer landing page for anyone to access and find opportunities.
Donate food now!
There is a growing need among our partners for donated foods. Wake County staff are working together to collect food across the county for our food insecure residents. Find a location for drop off below, or make a monetary or food donation directly to a pantry in your area! Together we can Feed Wake.