Every year, Feeding America estimates the annual food budget shortfall carried by people facing food insecurity – the gap between the money people facing hunger need to buy enough food and what they have. The Map the Meal Gap study shows a sharp rise in that budget shortfall in North Carolina, from $725 million in 2019 to over a billion in 2022: that 2022 figure is $1,099,431,000.
In 1989, Jill Staton Bullard and Maxine Solomon, launched their mission to combat hunger in North Carolina. They began rescuing surplus food and distributing it to those in need and Inter-Faith Food Shuttle was born. Decades later, their legacy continues to Grow Goodness as we reach thousands of individuals with vital nourishment every week. We are also tackling the root causes of food insecurity through innovative programs that empower people to build stable and secure lives, and by advocating for policies that eliminate systemic barriers.
At Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, we believe in the power of community collaboration to combat hunger and nourish our neighbors in need. We are excited to shine a spotlight on Junior League of Raleigh, a beacon of generosity and compassion in our mission for a hunger-free community.
In February 2023, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle received a generous $800,000 Retail Agency Capacity Building Grant from the Walmart Foundation, in collaboration with Feeding America. Now, just one year later, this grant is enabling the Food Shuttle to provide its agency partners with essential refrigerated trucks, allowing them to better serve communities facing food insecurity.
In the world of retail there's an aspect that may be relatively unknown to the everyday person: the vital role that retail donors play in fighting food insecurity. Whether a local grocery store or a national chain, these companies are significant to our mission by donating surplus food and helping our immediate communities.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery and learning? Look no further than the Food Shuttle Academy, brought to you by Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. This online platform, available at no cost, is designed to ignite your curiosity and empower you with knowledge about health, nutrition, agriculture, and more, all at your own pace!
As we reflect on our partnership with North Raleigh UMC, we're filled with appreciation for the opportunities it will provide to serve more neighbors. Together, we will persist in “Growing Goodness,” nurturing a future where every individual is nourished and supported.
Representative Julie von Haefen, Representative Maria Cervania and Representative Sarah Crawford joined our president and CEO along with a few members of our team, and the talk turned to food insecurity in our state.
Our Geer Street Learning Garden is a flourishing urban green space located between one of the most vulnerable census tracts and one of the most prosperous business districts in Durham. Geer Street is committed to building resilient community connections and engaging people of all ages in the powerful act of growing local food.
At Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, we pride ourselves on developing innovative and sustainable solutions to end hunger in our community. Through collaboration with community members, we can leverage resources, expertise, and outreach to co-create solutions to better serve our neighbors facing hunger and food insecurity.
In 1989, with a vision to ease the crisis of hunger in North Carolina in a simple but effective way, Jill Staton Bullard and Maxine Solomon began “rescuing” food that would’ve gone to waste and getting it to neighbors in need. In the years since, generous friends have been Growing Goodness by supporting hunger relief efforts across the Food Shuttle’s seven- county service area.
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle joined nearly 200 food banks from across the nation for a fly-in to Washington, D.C., where we asked lawmakers representing our service area to strengthen vital anti-hunger programs in the federal “Farm Bill.” The fly-in was organized by the Feeding America national network of food banks, of which the Food Shuttle is a member.
April is probably best known for giving us the first signs of spring, pranking our family on April Fool’s Day, and honoring our planet during Earth and Arbor Days, but did you know that April is also Global Volunteer Month? This movement encourages a spirit of giving back to the community, where neighbors come together to make a difference by contributing their time, skills, and passion towards various causes. At Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, we are gearing up to celebrate the power of volunteerism next month and hope you’ll join us!
Beckford’s spirit remains very much with us at the Food Shuttle today as we celebrate Black History Month and continue to make child hunger a high priority in our work. Join us in giving a nod to Ruth Beckford for her leadership in recognizing that no child should have to deal with hunger as they strive to learn and grow.
Did you know that Inter-Faith Food Shuttle can help you build a raised-bed garden box? Growing your own produce at home is an excellent way to ensure your family has access to fresh, healthy food throughout the year at an affordable cost. Besides providing you with a nutritious harvest, the process of gardening also promotes physical exercise and mental relaxation. The Food Shuttle’s Gardens for Everyone program can help you get started.
In the heart of Chapel Hill, Sheryl Kirkey, a dedicated 4th-grade teacher at Glenwood Elementary, was seeking opportunities to instill values of kindness and generosity in her students. She originally began seeking volunteer opportunities for her class to participate in at Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. Due to the age of her students, they were unable to directly volunteer at our location, however Sheryl and her students found an alternative way to make an impact by organizing a school food drive in support of the Food Shuttle.
FarmboxRX produced a report based on data from the applications, finding the following top contributors to food insecurity among participants: Disability and disease, fixed Income, including Social Security, age, and single parenthood.
In December, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle celebrated the first graduating class of our Culinary Apprenticeship Program (CAP) since 2019, and an inspiring speech by one of the graduates illustrates the deep impact the program can have on the lives of participants.
For many of us, January brings new year's resolutions and renewed commitments to improve ourselves and our community. This year, you have the opportunity to make a positive change in both your life and our community by becoming an Inter-Faith Food Shuttle Cultivator!
“I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits.”
We are grateful for our partnership with local BIPOC farmers and passionate about addressing the systemic barriers that leave them at a disadvantage. We are also grateful to our loyal supporters who make all of this possible. Together, we can realize our vision of a more equitable food system for all.
“As we grow forward, we will continue to meet the needs of our neighbors, advocate for change, and speak on behalf of those that feel unheard. Our continued collaborative focus remains on improving access to healthy, nutritious foods, educational experiences that empower, and training that leads to better lives for our neighbors. Thank you for your continued support and belief in our shared vision of a hunger-free community.” - L. Ron Pringle, President and CEO, and Kurt Heusner, Chair of IFFS Board of Directors
“Your community support is so meaningful on this Global Day of Giving. I’m proud to imagine our crowd of givers joining those worldwide – in a unified stance of compassion and outreach. We appreciate all that stand in the circle of support. From new and returning donors, to corporate supporters, to Board members, everyone has demonstrated such commitment to sharing our vision of a hunger-free community.” – L. Ron Pringle, President, and CEO of Inter-Faith Food Shuttle.
On this Giving Tuesday, join the movement to give to feed our neighbors and nourish futures. Learn more here about how you can take action today, help feed neighbors tomorrow, and nurture futures forward.