Events include storytimes, virtual talks and a countywide donation drive

Hunger touches every corner of Wake County, from busy cities to rural crossroads. Many families working full-time jobs still struggle to put food on the table. More than 126,000 people in our county face food insecurity and many earn too much to qualify for assistance, but not enough to consistently afford groceries.

To help, Wake County Cooperative Extension and Wake County Public Libraries are partnering for Hunger Awareness Month, a countywide initiative that aims to raise awareness and inspire local action through a donation drive and community events taking place throughout June.

"The goal is food security,” said Commissioner Safiyah Jackson of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “When our neighbors go hungry, it affects their health, their children’s education and their ability to thrive. Hunger Awareness Month allows us all to show compassion by donating money or volunteering for food distribution. Our community needs your help.”

Nine Wake County Public Libraries locations are collecting non-perishable food and essential items, with donations going directly to a local hunger relief organization. At these participating locations, residents can learn more about the pantry their donations will support and the people it serves.

The month-long campaign features free events across the county, from family storytimes and kids’ activities to in-depth virtual conversations about hunger in our area and how we can fight it.

To explore the full list of events, find your local library’s donation needs and learn how you can make an impact, visit wake.gov/hunger-awareness-month.