More Than a Meal: How the Food Bank Nourishes Our Community
- Biz3b
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Welcome back, travel fam! šš
Today, Iām taking a little detour from my usual funny, animated tone to talk about something close to my heart ā hunger and how local food banks are making a real difference.
Before I climb on my soapbox and start shouting from the rooftop how vital this work is (and trust me, sista can get loudš ), I want to share some of my experience and what Iāve learned as a volunteer.Ā My hope is that by the end, we will all be a little more informed and inspired to support the work that keeps our neighbors nourished and communities connected.
When most people think of a food bank, they picture shelves of canned goods and volunteers sorting boxes. Warehouses filled with loud machines and wooden crates stacked in a corner. Ā All of which could be š¤·š½āāļøtrue,Ā but I will neither confirm nor deny at this time. LOL!!
Itās also a place where said volunteers share conversations, laughs,Ā and a common interest outside of their normal day. And interestingly enough, some of these conversations blossom into genuine friendships.
But the real story goes far beyond that. Each hour volunteered, every box packed, every farm-to-warehouse potato sorted plays a powerful role in helping someone they may never meet face to face.Ā Itās more than paying it forward ā its showing kindness, and it matters more than most people realize. Volunteering made me reflect on the fact that Iām not the center of the universe and serving othersĀ is what truly makes a lifelong impact.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), nearly 1.2 million people in our state struggle with food insecurityāthatās about one in ten of our neighbors. Hereās another fact that will alarm you, one in six children, or around 394,000 kids across North Carolina have to wonder if and when theyāre going to eat again. YIKES...those facts are wild, right!?
I canāt imagine having to choose between buying groceries and paying for maintenance meds. Yet,Ā these are the difficult decisions many people face every single day.
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is a lifeline ā connecting families with hope, fueling them to be successful, and helping stretch their budgets a little further each month. Every meal distributed carries a story of resilience and compassion, reminding us that when we feed our neighbors, we feed the strength of our entire community.
Hunger doesnāt always look the way we expect. It can live next door, sit in the classroom, or even smile back at us at work. The Food Bank is on the frontlines of that reality every single day ā turning donations and volunteer hours into tangible impact. From emergency food boxes to nutrition programs, their work feeds bodies and restores dignity, proving that small acts of giving can create powerful ripples of change.
In a time when grocery prices are soaring and families are forced to make hard choices, food banks and their local partner agencies are a steady source of relief. Each dollar donated stretches farther than most people understand ā transforming into nutritious meals that keep children focused in school, parents confident at work, and seniors healthy at home.
With this yearās massive cuts to national funding resources, ongoing inflation and added pressure on farmers, the once readily available support has drastically dwindled. The Food Bank isnāt just about food; itās about community resilience, compassion, and the belief that in the āland of plentyā no one should face hunger alone.
Yes, I said it and said it with my whole chest. LOL šŖš½ā¤ļø
As we head into the holiday season, hereās my ask, travel famĀ šĀ ā next time youāre thinking about how to give back, consider checking out your local food bank. Volunteer a few hours, make a donation, or simply share their story. Because the truth is, community isnāt just about where we live ā itās about how we show up for each other.
And in my Big Mama voice: āA big fist strikes a mighty blow!ā šš½ā¤ļø
If youāre in North Carolina, you can learn more or get involved with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina by visiting (foodbankcenc.org). Ā Whether you give your time, your resources, or simply spread the word every act matters and helps feed hope. š
Until next time, itās your favorite travel sis reminding you to stay safe, stay informed, and keep showing up when and where it matters. Blessings šāļø ā¤ļø
This is Malinda. I've been volunteering at the Food Bank for a little over a year. I've packed sweet and white potatoes, juice boxes, and turnip greens. It's always made me feel good knowing that what I and the other volunteers do help those in need. I've also had the privilege of befriending you through the Food Bank.
Food banks are absolutely necessary. Good work being done by beautiful souls.