Community need spotlight: Food insecurity

More than 1.2 million people in North Carolina are facing hunger - including one in six children.

Food’s high demand and prices are straining families in need and philanthropic food dollars. The demand on philanthropy reduces funding availability for other needs, especially seasonal clothing and supplies, and utility relief due to winter temperatures.

Community Kitchen in Haywood County, a Cruso Endowment grantee As we approach Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, many families discuss food insecurity as an opportunity to learn about philanthropy because it is easy for even young children to understand how important food is to well-being and what it might feel like to be without it.

Here are three insights you can consider as you talk with your family about the importance of charitable giving to support families who are faced with challenges putting food on the table:

Approximately 49 million Americans—about 1 in 6—received charitable food assistance sometime in 2022, according to Feeding America.
The Food Research & Action Center reported that during an average day in the 2021-22 school year, 15.5 million children received a free school breakfast and nearly 30 million children received a free school lunch.
Research has documented the benefits for students and families participating in universal free lunch programs.

By working with NCCF, you and your family can learn about charitable organizations helping people who are facing hunger. Your donor engagement officer can help you find a nonprofit working to combat food insecurity.

In addition, NCCF is proud to hold several endowments that support nonprofits working to improve access to food in their communities. You can make a donation any time to support their work.