Community-first group donates tons of food to Carolinians in need

For the past six years, the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated, has supported the 9 Food Drive by collecting thousands of pounds of nonperishable food and canned food.

This year was no exception to the chapter’s continued commitment to the community when it donated $2,000 to the 9 Food Drive.

“Annually, as a chapter, we look forward to doing our part to help end hunger by supporting the 9 Food Drive donation drive,” said Melody Harris, president of the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. “Over the past 15 months, we all have faced situations that have changed our lives in some unexpected way and the need for assistance are very high.”

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is a historically Black sorority. The organization was founded by college-educated women dedicated to public service with an emphasis on programs that assist the community.

Since the spread of the coronavirus began, the number of struggling families has continued to increase, and so has their need for food.

Across the Carolinas, 553,000 people in our 24-county region live at or below the poverty line.

Almost 1 in 5 children in North Carolina face hunger on a regular basis. Hundreds of thousands of people are “food insecure,” which means they don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

“The Charlotte Alumnae Chapter hopes that those experiencing the effects of food insecurity and hunger will feel stronger, healthier and hopeful due to our efforts and financial donation,” Harris said. “As we continue to address the needs of the community in response to COVID-19, the members of the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter stand ready to meet the challenges facing our communities.”

The money will help feed children who are missing school meals, seniors being asked to stay safely in their homes, employees in our community being impacted by decreases in work hours and countless other citizens living in need.

“The lack of access to or the lack of resources to obtain healthy foods can lead to poor diets, which can lead to poor health,” she said. “Our donation will make a powerful impact for children, families and seniors experiencing food insecurity in our communities.”

The unforeseen effect of the coronavirus has caused significant changes to how food donations can be collected and distributed.

For the past 16 years, WSOC-TV and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina have partnered to end area hunger through the 9 Food Drive.

The food bank’s partner agencies reported that requests for food assistance have continued to increase at a rapid pace.

Because the food bank supplies food and essential grocery items to hundreds of agencies, a monetary donation helps all of these organizations. For every $1 the food bank receives, it distributes 7 pounds of food. You can donate now by clicking on this link.

The sorority’s donation will equate to 14,000 pounds of food.

“Amidst the challenges of not being able to gather as a chapter for community outreach opportunities this year, we decided to support the 9 Food Drive initiative with a financial donation to provide food to families in need,” Harris said. “Our hope is to educate, elevate and empower our communities through our efforts.”

With all the challenges facing our community, it is obvious that the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., will be in place for as long as it takes, working and serving every day.

If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.

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