The CAHEC Nutrition Assistance Initiative provided substantial food support to low-income families in North Carolina through multiple distribution events and school-based programs during November and December. The initiative distributed over 50,000 meals through partnerships with established hunger relief organizations, addressing immediate nutritional needs while supporting broader community wellness goals.
In Rocky Mount, CAHEC collaborated with the Interfaith Food Shuttle for two distribution events where volunteers prepared and distributed 21,029 pounds of food, equating to approximately 17,524 meals. Families received bags containing fresh produce, meat, bread, and non-perishable items through drive-through distributions designed for accessibility and efficiency.
A separate distribution in Greensboro, conducted in partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, served 294 households including 243 seniors, 404 children, and 394 adults. This event distributed over 37,000 pounds of food, providing 31,029 meals along with essential toiletries. Each household also received a gift card to a local grocery store, enabling them to purchase additional groceries, medicines, or other essentials according to their specific needs.
Beyond community distributions, CAHEC sponsored School Choice pantries at Southeast Raleigh High School and Sanderson High School. As of November 30th, this program had distributed 4,203 pounds of food, totaling approximately 3,502 meals for students and their families. These school-based pantries provide consistent access to nutritional support within educational settings where many families already engage with support services.
Stefanie Lee, Community Relations Manager, explained that providing nutrition assistance represents a commitment to ensuring year-round access to healthy meals for residents. The initiative extends beyond housing to deliver essential support that contributes to stronger and healthier communities. This approach recognizes that stable housing and reliable nutrition are interconnected foundations for family wellbeing.
The Nutrition Assistance Initiative forms part of CAHEC's broader Community Investments program, which aims to provide educational and wellness opportunities to families living in properties within the CAHEC portfolio. By addressing food insecurity directly, the organization demonstrates how housing providers can expand their impact beyond shelter to support comprehensive community health. The initiative's scale and partnerships with established food banks suggest a model that could be replicated by other organizations seeking to address multiple dimensions of poverty simultaneously.
CAHEC's work illustrates how community investment organizations can leverage existing relationships and infrastructure to address pressing social needs. The distribution of over 50,000 meals represents significant immediate relief while establishing frameworks for ongoing support. As housing organizations increasingly recognize their role in broader community wellbeing, initiatives like CAHEC's Nutrition Assistance Program demonstrate practical approaches to integrating essential services with housing stability.
