As winter approaches, federal cuts to food-assistance programs like SNAP will ripple through every North Carolina town, including ours. While these decisions are made far from Wake Forest, their effects land here at home, in grocery lines, classrooms, and kitchen tables. For many of our neighbors, the difference between stability and hunger may soon depend on what we, as a community, choose to do next.
When public programs shrink, the burden falls on local shoulders, food banks, churches, civic groups, and volunteers who already work quietly to keep people fed. Food costs remain high, and wages often lag behind bills. We cannot rely on policy debates in Washington to solve a problem that will unfold in our own neighborhoods.
So let’s act together. I encourage everyone who can to begin a monthly contribution to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, which supplies hundreds of pantries across our region. Even small recurring gifts help them plan for winter demand. And if you prefer to give directly, please bring shelf-stable foods, fresh produce, and household staples to the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry here in Wake Forest.
Beyond individual giving, I ask our churches and faith communities, civic clubs, schools, businesses, and neighborhood associations to coordinate food drives and donation days. Pooling our efforts magnifies impact and reminds each of us that no one in Wake Forest should face hunger alone.
Because this is what we’ve always done here, through hurricanes, recessions, and pandemics, Wake Forest has stood together — neighbors looking out for neighbors, hands extended before anyone even has to ask. That spirit is what defines us. It’s what makes this town not just a place to live, but a place that lives its values.
Whatever our politics, we share this town and the moral obligation to ensure that everyone at least has enough to eat. Wake Forest is for all of us. Let’s prove it again — together, with open hands and full baskets.
1️⃣ Donate monthly:
Visit Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina – and set up a recurring gift. Even $10 a month provides 50 meals.
2️⃣ Drop off food locally:
Tri-Area Ministries Food Pantry
149 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest, NC 27587
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri, 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Accepting: canned vegetables, soups, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, diapers, and toiletries.
3️⃣ Mobilize your group:
If you’re part of a church, civic organization, HOA, or business, organize a winter food drive or fundraising match. Contact Tri-Area Ministries at info@triareaministry.com to coordinate deliveries.
4️⃣ Spread the word:
Share this post, tell your neighbors, and encourage your networks to commit to a small monthly gift. Collective effort makes the most significant difference.
Tom Baker IV is the publisher of Wake Forest Matters, Wake Forest’s only independent local newsroom. A Wake Forest native, Navy veteran, and intelligence professional, Tom launched Wake Forest Matters to bring serious accountability journalism to his hometown. Tips and story ideas: publisher@wakeforestmatters.com