Drive Out Hunger: Blue Cross NC, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Second Harvest Food Bank partner to Fight Food Insecurity
Table of Contents
- Drive Out Hunger: Blue Cross NC, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Second Harvest Food Bank partner to Fight Food Insecurity
- addressing Food Insecurity in North Carolina
- Drive Out Hunger Campaign: A Four-Year Impact
- Supporting MANNA FoodBank and Hurricane Recovery
- How You Can Help During Hunger Action Month
September is National Hunger Action Month, and a collaborative effort between Blue Cross North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), Charlotte Motor Speedway, and second Harvest Food Bank is working to raise awareness and combat food insecurity across North Carolina. The partnership, centered around the “Drive Out Hunger” campaign, aims to increase access to nutritious foods and improve the health and well-being of communities throughout the state.
addressing Food Insecurity in North Carolina
Food insecurity, defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life, is a significant issue impacting many North Carolinians. According to Feeding America, approximately 1.5 million people in North Carolina, including over 400,000 children, face hunger.
“food insecurity affects every corner of our region. our neighbors deserve nutritious food to thrive,” stated Kay Carter, Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank. The latest volunteer event at Charlotte Motor Speedway underscores the commitment of both the speedway and Blue Cross NC to making healthy eating more accessible.
Drive Out Hunger Campaign: A Four-Year Impact
The Drive Out hunger campaign has already made a significant impact, donating over 10,000 pounds of food to Second Harvest food Bank in the last four years. This success is thanks to the generosity of community members and race fans who contribute non-perishable items at Charlotte Motor Speedway events.
“Too many people in North Carolina have limited access to nutritious food. Blue Cross NC wants to help transform the way healthy food reaches our members and communities. Working with partners like Charlotte Motor Speedway, we can improve health and well-being for all North Carolinians,” explained Dr. Marcus Wallace,Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross NC.
Supporting MANNA FoodBank and Hurricane Recovery
This year, individuals can further support the cause by donating non-perishable food items. donations will benefit MANNA FoodBank in western North Carolina. MANNA FoodBank faced a significant challenge in 2018 when its headquarters were severely damaged by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene. Despite this setback,MANNA continues its vital mission of providing meals to individuals and families in need across 16 counties in Western North Carolina.You can find more information about their ongoing recovery efforts and how to help on their website.
How You Can Help During Hunger Action Month
National Hunger Action Month provides a focused opportunity to get involved. Here are several ways to support the fight against food insecurity in North Carolina:
Donate Food: Contribute non-perishable food items at designated donation locations, including events at charlotte Motor Speedway.
Volunteer: Second Harvest Food Bank and MANNA FoodBank rely on volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute food. Visit their websites (Second Harvest Food bank and MANNA FoodBank) to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Donate funds: Monetary donations allow food banks to purchase food in bulk and address specific needs.
Raise Awareness: Share information about food insecurity and the Drive Out Hunger campaign with your friends,family,and social networks.
Key Takeaways:
Food insecurity affects over 1.5 million North Carolinians.
The Drive Out Hunger campaign has donated over 10,000 pounds of food to Second Harvest Food Bank.
MANNA FoodBank in Western North Carolina is recovering from Hurricane helene damage and continues to serve its community.
National Hunger Action Month is a crucial time to support local food banks and raise awareness.
This collaborative effort demonstrates a powerful commitment to addressing a critical issue in North Carolina. By working together, Blue Cross NC, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Second harvest Food Bank, and the community can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing hunger and build a healthier, more equitable future for all.