Community

9 Food Drive donations help over 700 agencies

A donation to the 9 Food Drive extends to over 700 food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens. One of those resources that help struggling families is the Charlotte Area Fund, a non-profit that offers programs that helps low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient.

The fund’s two programs, the Nutrition Assistance Project and the Self Sufficiency Project, offer food through its food pantry.

“The structure of the Charlotte Area Fund is to identify and address poverty causes by providing programs and services to assist those who are disadvantaged,” Teresa Hughes, a nutrition assistant at Charlotte Area Fund, said.

Charlotte Area Fund has helped thousands of families through various programs. Some clients receive a monthly food box according to their family size until they are deemed self-sufficient. Emergency food is also made available.

Only two years ago, before Hughes started working for the fund, she was in the same position she finds many of the fund’s current clients to be in now.

“I was doing temp work. A couple of hours here and a couple of hours there, and it wasn't that much help. I received food boxes (from Charlotte Area Fund),” Hughes said. She isn't sure what she would have done without the agency’s help, “but I’m sure glad I didn’t have to find out.”

“Everyone doesn’t have the same walk in life,” Hughes said. “Donations are needed because it’s a big world and lots of folks are in need of help in our community.”

WSOC-TV has teamed up with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina for the last 13 years to help end hunger in our area during the 9 Food Drive. You, too, can help by donating canned or nonperishable food items now until June 8 at any Ashley HomeStore, Showmars and E.R. Plumbing Services. A complete list of donation locations is listed here.

The 9 Food Drive, benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, comes at an especially critical time, as area emergency pantries served by the food bank report increases in requests for assistance during the summer and giving is at a low point for the year.

If any organization or business would like to get involved or help with 9 Food Drive, or if someone has an inspiring story to share, please email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV community affairs manager, at kevin.campbell@wsoctv.com