Over 188,000 area children are at risk of hunger every day

Over half a million people in our area are living in poverty, and poverty leads to hunger.  According to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, over 40 percent of those living in poverty in our area are children and seniors.

For the past twelve years, WSOC-TV has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in hopes of ending hunger for the hundreds of thousands of people in our area living in need during the 9 Food Drive.

“The number one goal at Second Harvest is to end child hunger. With 188,000 children in our region at risk of hunger every day, we have developed several key initiatives to help feed kids,” Kay Carter, chief executive officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, said.

One of the programs designed by Second Harvest is a school-based mobile pantry.   The program is designed to help ensure that children have enough nutritious food to eat and come to school prepared to learn. The program provides on-site food shopping for low-income families.

“Summer can be a time when kids lose a very important support system – their school and the teachers who care about them,” Carter said.  “They also in many cases lose critical breakfast and lunch meals that help struggling families feed their kids.”

Because the Food Bank supplies food and essential grocery items to over 700 agencies feeding hungry people in 19 counties, a monetary donation helps all of these organizations.  For every $1 the food bank receives, they distribute 7 pounds of food. You can donate now by clicking on this link.

You can also donate non-perishable and canned food at any of WSOC-TV Family Focus partner locations Ashley HomeStore, Showmars, Hendrick Honda and E.R. Plumbing Services until June 10. Find a donation location near you by following this link.   

Learn more about the 9 Food Drive at www.9FoodDrive.com

If your organization or business would like to get involved or help with 9 Food Drive or you have an inspiring story to share, please email Kevin Campbell, Community Affairs Manager at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.

Cox Media Group