Welcome to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina! Join us on Thursday, October 23 for Hunger Relief Day at the NC State Fair!

FBCENC & Hunger in the news...

 

September 29, 2008 – Food Bank Official Says Hunger is on the Rise
Daily Reflector, Greenville
Rough economic times are leading to more hungry families in the east needing help from local food banks. The Food Bank's Greenville branch held an open house Monday to highlight the National Hunger Action Month of September at a time when the high price of gas and a mortgage crisis is leading to hard times for families on the verge of poverty.
September 8, 2008 – Economy Impacting Local Food Banks
WITN-TV, Greenville
Across the nation and right here at home food banks are facing empty shelves as people facing hard financial times are donating less. The Greenville branch of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina says the food inventory is very low and they're concerned.
September 2, 2008 - Food Programs Feeling Crunched
Herald Sun, Durham
Food banks across the state and nation are asking for help this fall as the economic conditions have increased the demand for their services while reducing surplus food they rely on. Families living on minimum wage sometimes must make tough choices between paying a utility bill or buying food; others must choose between buying food or medicine.
August 20, 2008 - Food Bank Holding Drive To Pay For Higher Fuel Costs
News & Observer, Raleigh, NC
The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, a nonprofit organization that provides food for people who are hungry in 34 counties in central and Eastern North Carolina, is holding a fuel drive this month to raise money to keep its trucks on the road as it deals with a 61 percent increase in diesel fuel expenses.
August 19, 2008 - Nonprofits get pumped by high gas prices, too
Herald Sun, Durham
Asking for money. Finding joint drop-off spots. Eliminating left turns. Those are some of the tactics two Triangle organizations that help hungry North Carolinians are employing to cope with the high price of filling up their delivery trucks.
August 15, 2008 – Local News Briefs: Food Bank Holds Fuel Drive
Herald Sun, Durham
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is holding a fuel drive to keep its trucks on the road. The Food Bank’s spending on diesel fuel increased by 61% this past year.
August 8, 2008 - Community gives Union Mission a helping hand
Roanoke Daily Herald, Roanoke Rapids
There is food back on the shelves of the Union Mission . . . the results of the generosity of many Valley residents was reflected with the arrival of nearly 4,000 pounds of food from the Food Bank in Raleigh.
July July 24, 2008 – Letter to Editor: Hunger Never Rests for Schoolchildren
The Pilot, Southern Pines
For children in low-income families, going to school means getting at least two good meals a day. During the summer that is no longer a source for hungry kids.
July 16, 2008 - Duke and Durham Police Host Free Carnival to Benefit Food Bank
As skyrocketing grocery bills prompt more Durham families to seek assistance from local food banks, the Duke community is pitching in to help by hosting a food drive and free carnival.
July 4, 2008 - Spurred to Donate
News & Observer, Raleigh
In the economic downturn of the 1990’s, we were grateful for the help of food stamps, school lunch programs and our church’s food pantry. Today I’m writing a check to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina…
June 25, 2008 - Food bank it
News & Observer, Raleigh
We couldn’t agree more that IRS rebate checks should go to those in need. Join us in sending our “rebate” to the Food Bank.
June 23, 2008 - Kids Summer Stock Launches Series of Food Drives
Daily Reflector, Greenville
It’s been a tough year for people in the business of helping others. “Everyone’s seeing an increase in demand,” says Peter Werbicki, President/CEO. They’ve launched a series of Food Drives to meet the need.
June 4, 2008 - Etheridge visits area to talk food bank funding
Rocky Mount Telegram, Rocky Mount
As fuel costs steadily increase, so do the prices of food – which continues to put a strain on community food banks and food pantries throughout Eastern North Carolina. U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, D-2nd District, and representatives from the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, were in Rocky Mount on Tuesday morning to address the issue.
June 1, 2008 - How would you feel if this was your only meal of the day? An then it was gone.
Wrightsville Beach Magazine, Wilmington
In the four-county area served by the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina's (FBCENC) Wilmington branch - Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties - more than 50,000 of our neighbors are at risk of hunger, living at or below the poverty level, and 30 percent of them are children.
May 31, 2008 - Summer Food Drive to Replenish Supplies
The Pilot, Southern Pines
To offset the increased demand for assistance, the Sandhills branch of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina in Southern Pines is reaching out to the community. To help raise funds and supplies, the branch is partnering with First Fridays in Southern Pines for a Sandhills Kids Summer Stock event.
May 29, 2008 - Food costs rise for charities
News & Observer, Raleigh
Relief agencies and their clients caught in the same economic undertow – food supplies dwindle while lunch lines keep growing.
May 23, 2008 - Food Bank stresses growing needs
Rocky Mount Telegram, Rocky Mount
The Food Bank distributed more than 32.6 million pounds of food in fiscal year 2006-07 to a network of 870 participating agencies – food pantries, shelters, soup kitchen and group homes. Rising food and fuel prices are challenging the food bank's collection efforts while the need grows.
May 21, 2008 - Concert Friday Benefits Food Bank
News & Observer, Raleigh
A teenager's concert Friday night will benefit the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC. Four bands will play Friday at 7 p.m. in Kenan Auditorium at Durham Academy's Upper School. Canned food donations are strongly encouraged.
May 18, 2008 - One Country’s Table Scraps, Another Country’s Meal
NY Times, NY
Grocery bills are rising through the roof. Food banks are running short of donations. And food shortages are causing sporadic riots in poor countries through the world.
May 17, 2008 - Sandhills Food Bank Facing Difficult Times
The Pilot, Southern Pines
The Sandhills branch of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina in Southern Pines is hungry for support. A slumping economy, rising gas prices and the lingering effects of a drought have created an increased demand for assistance, said Peter Werbicki, director of the Food Bank.
May 16, 2008 - Hungry for Help
News & Observer, Raleigh
Could there be any more painful indication of the tough times many families are in than to know that some will not have enough food to eat? Yet that's the reality, right here, right now in an area where the "image" for many is of prosperity and abundance.
May 11, 2008 - Postal Workers Pick up Food for Hungry
WRAL, Raleigh
Postal carriers collected more than 240,000 pounds of food from doorsteps across central and eastern North Carolina on Saturday as part of the nation's largest single-day food drive.
May 1, 2008 - Even The Food Banks Are Going Hungry
News & Observer, Raleigh
Across the Triangle, those who distribute food to the needy say they have seen a spike in demand. Pantries and dozens of others get food from the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC. Help stock the pantries - Letter carriers will collect food on May 10 as part of Stamp Out Hunger.
April 29, 2008 - Open Letter to Congress
Former North Carolina Congresswoman Eva Clayton writes an open letter to Congress expressing her concerns with the group's inaction on the Farm Bill.
April 28, 2008 - Facing Hunger: Feeding America
CBS News
The Early Show kicked off a 12-day food drive, Facing Hunger: Feeding America, leading up to the nation's largest single day food drive, Stamp Out Hunger (Letter Carriers Food Drive). Local affiliate WRAL-TV is accepting donations on behalf of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC. Additionally, the public is asked to drop-off non-perishable food drive donations at the Food Bank branches nearest you you. Click here for driving directions.
April 19, 2008 - You ‘Fed the Need.’ Thanks
News & Observer Dan Barkin Column, Raleigh, NC
“If you gave me a buck last Saturday at the Bojangles in Knightdale, that means you are a real philanthropist, because I am one truly bad fund-raiser.” Dan Barkin shares his experience volunteering for Feed the Need.
April 13, 2008 - Food Bank gets funds to combat child hunger
The Daily Reflector, Greenville, NC
The Food Bank recently received a grant to expand the 27 Kids Cafe after-school programs currently in 25 counties.
April 11, 2008 - ‘Feed the Need’ raises money to feed hungry children
News & Observer, Raleigh, NC
When most schools let out for the summer in a few weeks, thousands of North Carolina children from the Piedmont to the coast will be at risk of going hungry. Feed the Need aims to fill the Food Bank’s larders for warm weather demand.
April 6, 2008 - Feed the Need Special Insert
News & Observer, Raleigh, NC
Food Bank and clients face challenges: rising gas prices and drought increase the need and the effort to meet it. This special Sunday insert features these articles:
A Day at Food Central – The goal at the Food Bank’s warehouse is to meet the need.
ECU American Fisheries Society – Members volunteer several times a semester.
For agencies, it’s food safety first – The increase in perishable food means food safety training for agencies.
Helping Hands – Rebecca Clark – Rebecca volunteers every week at the Food Bank branch in Greenville.
Old, new members have same goal – The need is there and, old or new, agencies have the same goal.
Time to unite and fight hunger – “Hunger is a worthy opponent and it will take all of us working together to defeat it” says N&O President Orage Quarles III.
Volunteers fight hunger in many ways – If the Food Bank’s doors are open, you can bet that there’s a volunteer inside working.
A friend in your neighborhood – “Thank you for being a friend in your neighborhood by supporting Feed the Need” says FBCENC President Peter Werbicki.

March 28, 2008 - Sandhills Classical Students Take Top Honor
The Pilot, Southern Pines
One hundred and thirteen schools participated in the holiday “Students Against Hunger” food drive. Sandhills Classical Christian School won the top honor in the Multi-Grades category.
March 22, 2008 - Feed the Need
News & Observer, Raleigh
Heard about the new “either-you-eat, or-your-kids-eat” diet? More than 400,000 people served by the Food Bank are at risk of hunger.
March 14, 2008 - Raleigh Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
NBC 17, Raleigh
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival Bring the ‘Wearin’ O The Green’ to the Capital City. In memory of the more than one million Irish who died in the Potato Famine 150 years ago, marchers and spectators are asked to make a canned food donation to the Food Bank.
March 12, 2008 - Charities: Economy and Drought Hurting
NBC 17, Raleigh
The Salvation Army often relies on the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina to supplement donations, but outside forces have had an impact. Food Bank President/CEO Peter Werbicki says the quality and selection of produce such as tomatoes and sweet potatoes has dropped since the historic drought set in last year.
March 9, 2008 - Food Bank, club unite to feed children
Rocky Mount Telegram, Rocky Mount
A new partnership is providing children of the Boys & Girls Club of Nash/Edgecombe Counties with nutritious dinners and healthy habits. The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina recently started a Kids Cafe program in Rocky Mount.
March 7, 2008 - NCCU Makes a Big Donation in Fight Against Hunger
Campus Echo Online
NCCU was the top college among area universities to donate the most actual pounds of food for the Food Bank’s “Hoops for Hunger” food drive.
March 1, 2008 - Paint the Town Green
Carolina Parent
More than 3,500 marchers are expected to bring the spirit of Ireland’s patron saint to Raleigh for the city’s 26th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. Canned food donations will benefit the Food Bank.
February 29, 2008 - That’s a WRAAP: UNCW students help kids get better start on learning
Star News, Wilmington
Thompson and a group of UNCW students started this semester volunteering at Wilmington's Residential Adolescent Achievement Place, or WRAAP, an after-school program targeting children from high-risk neighborhoods. The day includes a full meal, provided by the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and cooked at the church.
February 15, 2008 - Kids Cafe After-School Program Opens in Snow Hill
WNCT-TV, Greenville
Folks in the east are tackling hunger but they are taking a different approach. The food bank opened a new kids cafe after school program in Greene County.
February 4, 2008 - Local Charity Wins Despite Patriots’ Loss
NBC 17, Raleigh
Super Bowl XLII is now in the history books, and even though the Patriots lost, their fans in the Triangle made sure those in need won. The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina asked football fans to support their "Souper Bowl Food and Fund Drive." The New England Patriots Fan Club of North Carolina was one group that answered that request.
February 4, 2008 - Hoops for Hunger raises money for food bank
NEWS 14, Raleigh
The head women's basketball coach at North Carolina State University is taking charge of a new team. Coach Kay Yow will serve as the honorary chair of the Hoops 4 Hunger Food and Funds Drive. The benefit brings together students and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.
February 4, 2008 - Seniors hope Senate will get them a check
News & Observer, Raleigh
Seniors are hoping to be included in the U.S. Congress’ economic stimulus plan. They make up about 18% of the 400,000 people at risk for hunger in the 34 counties served by the Food Bank. Refund checks would be welcomed by seniors, as they also suffer from the current economic hardships.
February 3, 2008 - Help the Hungry on Super Sunday
NEWS 14, Raleigh
You might not be the only one that has the munchies come Super Bowl time. The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina is encouraging football fans to participate in their Souper Bowl initiative.
February 3, 2008 - Rotarians support state food bank programs
Rocky Mount Telegram, Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount Rotary Club member, Bill Shrago (Area Smith Barney Investment Executive) brought his daughter, Anne Shrago (Food Bank volunteer) to their regular meeting on January 28. Food Bank staff spoke about their mission and their need for support from the local community.
January 15, 2008 - Businesses and Organizations Supporting BackPack Pals
The Pilot, Southern Pines
Businesses and organizations play an important role in the success of the BackPack Pals program, a program of Moore County Schools created to meet the needs of children known to have little or nothing to eat over a weekend.
January 4, 2008 - Pickle Drop ‘dill-lights’ crowd
Mount Olive Tribune, Mt. Olive
Ninth annual New Year’s Eve Pickle Drop event raises 1,180 pounds of food for the Food Bank.
December 30, 2007 - Giant Pickle Ready for Mt. Olive New Year’s Celebration
WRAL, Raleigh
Mt. Olive Pickle Company is making final preparations for the 9th annual New Year’s Eve Pickle Drop. New this year is a canned food drive to benefit the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
December 19, 2007 - Inmates Help Food Bank with Donations
NBC 17, Raleigh
Some Wake County inmates are giving back to the community this holiday. On Tuesday, 13 inmates donated $1,000 worth of food to the food bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
December 10, 2007 - A Giving Season
The News & Observer, Raleigh
The holiday season is all about decked halls and swarming malls, but it also finds a large number of people in need. Requests for help with food, bills and gifts are up significantly, while donations to fill requests haven't always kept pace.
December 02, 2007 - BackPack Pals Program Seeks Volunteers
The Pilot, Southern Pines
Volunteers play an important role in the success of the BackPack Pals program, a program of Moore County Schools created to meet the needs of children known to have little or nothing to eat over a weekend.
November 29, 2007 - Growing Needs Stretch Relief Agencies
News & Observer, Raleigh
Requests are up, but donations aren't keeping pace. So those helping the needy this holiday season face the job of stretching their supplies from food to toys.
November 21, 2007 - Drought Hurts Food Bank Supply Just as Demand for Help Grows
WRAL, Raleigh
The drought is playing a role in drying up supplies at Raleigh's food bank, and that couldn't come at a worst time.
November 18, 2007 - Senator Dole tours, discusses Food Bank
NEWS 14, Raleigh
A North Carolina lawmaker is applauding those who help the hungry. This weekend, Sen. Elizabeth Dole toured the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina in Raleigh.
November 16, 2007 - Local organizations try to 'make a difference'
Technician Online, Raleigh
Local organizations, such as the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and the Raleigh Rescue Mission, are taking part in the nationwide effort to create greater awareness about hunger and homelessness.
November 16, 2007 - 2007 Heart of Carolina Food Drive
ABC 11 WTVD, Raleigh
ABC 11, along with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina, Talecris, Embarq and Kroger are sponsoring a food drive now through December 5th.
November 15, 2007 - View the 2007 Heart of Carolina Food Kick Off Press Conference
ABC 11 WTVD, Raleigh

November 1, 2007 - Durham Food Bank Feeds Needy by the Ton
The Durham Flyer
In the five-county Durham area, there are 23,000 children who live below the poverty level. While more people remember to donate food around the holidays, the need for food aid doesn’t start in November or end at Christmas.
November 1, 2007 - 2007 Garden Crusader Brenda Brodie
Gardener’s Supply, Burlington, VT
Founder of SEEDS program in Durham was presented with the Education Award for her work with at-risk youth. Today the SEEDS Garden is a thriving hub of the local community. The local food bank has offices next to the garden where they use surplus produce from the community garden to feed the hungry; food waste from the food bank goes back to the community garden for composting.
October 26, 2007 - BackPack Pals Program Adds Another Five Schools
The Pilot, Southern Pines
Five more schools have joined the BackPack Pals Program in the Sandhills area. J. Caprice Brown was responsible for the program receiving grants from Bayer Crop Science in 2006 and 2007.
October 26, 2007 - Final Tally Not In, But Fair Looks Like Record Ride
The News & Observer, Raleigh
Food Collected: Last year 103,323 attended Hunger Releif Day. This year, a rare rainy day kept the crowd down to 88,801. More than 217,000 pounds was collected in 2006 versus more than 174,000 pounds for 2007.
October 20, 2007 - Danny Lauderdale Column: Drought-tolerant Small Trees
The Daily Reflector, Greenville
The area watered more time than any was the vegetable garden at the Pitt County Arboretum. Drip irrigation allowed a harvest of 505 pounds of produce for donation to the Greenville Branch of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC.
October 18, 2007 – “Can” You Go to the Fair Today for Good Cause?
WRAL-TV, Raleigh
Thursday could be one of the biggest days attendance-wise at the N.C. State Fair. Fairgoers who bring in four cans of food will be admitted for free.
October 18, 2007 - Attendance up at Hunger Relief Day
News 14 Carolina, Raleigh
So far this year, more than 460,000 people have enjoyed the State Fair. In fact, Tuesday's number broke a 20-year attendance record. Officials hope the trend will continue on Hunger Relief Day.
October 18, 2007 - Free State Fair Admission With Canned Foods
NBC 17, Raleigh
Today is the day fairgoers can have some fun and at the same time help out those in need. The North Carolina State Fair’s is offering fairgoers free admission if they bring four or more cans of food during its annual canned-food drive.
October 10, 2007 - Walk Benefits Hunger Relief
Star-News, Wilmington
More than 2,000 CROP walks are held every year across the nation to fight hunger… Julie Brewer has been a part of the CROP Hunger Walk almost every year since 1979.
October 8, 2007 - Movable feast visits RBC Center
The News & Observer, Raleigh
Harris Teeter kicks off its annual food drive by serving more than 4,000 dinners.
October 7, 2007 - Crop Hunger Walk Held in Downtown Raleigh
WRAL-TV, Raleigh
Hundreds of people in Raleigh pounded the pavement Sunday to fight hunger.
October 3, 2007 – Need to Know: New Hanover County CROP Hunger Walk
Star-News, Wilmington
Walkers wanted to fight hunger. The 28th annual New Hanover County CROP Hunger Walk will be at 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at Greenfield Lake.
September 27, 2007 - Brunswick agency’s proactive approach keeps families on their feet
Star-News, Wilmington
Food Bank at Wilmington partner agency, Brunswick Family Assistance: To hear Bruce Talbott tell it, a helping hand supports you in a time of need and deserves payback so others can reap the benefits. Talbott and his two school-age children are among 50 families whose fortunes and futures are being changed by a supportive housing program begun this summer by Brunswick Family Assistance.
September 16, 2007 - Food bank receives 22-foot refrigerated truck
The Daily Reflector, Greenville
The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina at Greenville held a ribbon cutting for its new 22-foot refrigerated truck Friday during a food distribution for needy families.
September 13, 2007 – Food Bank Taps Werbicki
WRAL-TV, Raleigh
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina has named its acting president and CEO, Peter Werbicki, as the permanent head of the organization, effective immediately.
September 13, 2007 – Food Bank Taps Werbicki
Philanthropy Journal, Raleigh
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina has named its acting president and CEO, Peter Werbicki, as the permanent head of the organization, effective immediately.
September 13, 2007 - Helping Out: Feed the Need
News & Observer, Raleigh
The Lakes Apartment Homes hosted a Feed the Need Fall Festival benefiting the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.
August 14, 2007 - Donated Meat Boosts Struggling Food Pantries
WECT-TV, Wilmington
Several charitable agencies in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties received food donations from the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina at Wilmington. About 14,000 pounds of meat donated by Smithfield Foods was distributed to 20 area agencies, including six in Brunswick County.
August 13, 2007 - Large Meat Donation
Star-News, Wilmington
Smithfield Foods is donating 70,000 pounds of meat to local food banks. A portion of that food was dropped off at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina in Wilmington.
August 7, 2007 - Summer Program for Teens Teaches Life Skills
The Daily Reflector, Greenville
Teens Building Character, a program for 12 to 15 year olds is offered by Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation. The program focuses on keeping teens busy physically and socially while introducing them to life skills they need to build on as they grow older. They helped at the local Food Bank.
July 24, 2007 - Recall Affects Local Food Banks
WECT, Wilmington
A nationwide recall continues to grow and impact local organizations that help feed the hungry. More than 90 brands of canned meat products from Castleberry's Food Company are being recalled because of fears that the products contain botulism. Employees at the Wilmington warehouse of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina worked to remove the recalled cans.
July 5, 2007 - Police unit backing summer food drive
The News & Observer, Raleigh
The Victim Services/HOIST Unit of the Durham Police Department is sponsoring a summer food drive to support the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina in Durham. Through Aug. 1, residents are asked to donate nonperishable food items or money to the food bank to meet summer demands.