On June 20, WSOC-TV Channel 9 viewers stepped up to help end hunger in 19 counties in North and South Carolina.  From 10:00am to 8:00pm on air personalities, WSOC-TV staff and Second Harvest Food Bank staff accepted food at the WSOC-TV studios located on North Tryon Street. 

By the end of the day, dedicated viewers delivered more than 16,000 pounds of food, enough to  feed a family of four 2,800 meals or 11,201 individual meals in the Metrolina Region.  In six years of collecting for Second Harvest Food Bank, the 2012 Summer Food Drive yielded the most donations.

 “On behalf of all the hungry children, seniors and members of working poor families in our area, Second Harvest Food Bank wants to extend our appreciation to the WSOC-TV staff and personalities and especially to the WSOC-TV viewers.  These donations will feed people in need right here at home and it means the world to us to have this support,” said Kay Carter, Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.

The food comes at an especially critical time as area emergency pantries served by Second Harvest are reporting increases in requests for assistance.  More than 451,000 people in our area live in poverty. 

“Our viewers have always come through when we’ve identified a need in the community”, said Joe Pomilla, WSOC-TV Vice-President and General Manager, “We are thrilled that the day was so successful.”