As we work to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion at the Food Bank, it is imperative to recognize and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and identities of our staff, partners, and those we serve. Celebrations such as Black History Month allow us the opportunity to acknowledge the cultural identities of individuals within our organization and beyond.

Black History Month is a time to uplift the beauty, richness, and diversity of African American identity and culture within our organization, community, and world. It is a time to honor the achievements of those who blazed the trail for so many others, and we want to highlight our partner agencies that are black owned and/or led.

We are so grateful to work with these great agencies and many more to continue to nourish people in our 34-county service area!

Gang Free Inc.

Gang Free Inc, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 2008 with the goal to, “Empower & educate individuals to live a life liberated of crime through innovative programming & services.” Gang Free takes a unique position in society by proactively providing early intervention through afterschool programs that promote physical, social, and emotional health to 66 students. Through collaboration with the local school system, Gang Free, has been able to provide academic support by donating tablets, personal protective equipment, and healthy food. Throughout the COVID pandemic, Gang Free made it possible for members of the community to receive personal protective equipment, testing, and vaccinations, all while continuing to fight food disparities and homelessness. Recently the Food Bank was able to help design and wrap a vehicle for Gang Free.


Leading into New Communities (LINC) 

LINC, which stands for Leading into New Communities, has been a partner agency for 22 years! Founded by Frankie Roberts & Tracy Joy, LINC provides transitional housing & supportive services to individuals who returned from incarceration. LINC also operates a program for young African American men ages 16-21 to provide enrichment and mentorship. Also, LINC stepped up during the pandemic to serve our food insecure neighbors with the abundance of food made available through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).


Macedonia New Life Church (MNLC) 

In urban and rural areas, the economic impact of the pandemic created difficulty for both food-insecure individuals and the food distribution programs working to serve them. As many organizations pivoted to meet increased demand, they faced their own mounting need for support. MNLC partnered with World Vision International, Food Lion, Lincoln Park, the Food Bank to distribute approximately 700,000 pounds of food. As COVID-19 created financial hardship across the U.S., MNLC saw a record-breaking number of families and individuals in need of food. But with more people to feed and new requirements to protect the health and safety of volunteers, organizers and customers, traditional distribution methods were no longer viable. To make sure families had what they needed, MNLC’s food assistance efforts quickly evolved to a curbside model. As communities continue to recover from the impact of COVID-19, MNLC will continue to offer critical support to those affected by the pandemic.

The Mineral Springs Improvement Council

The Mineral Springs Improvement Council was founded in 1967 by a group of individuals who saw the need to lend a helping hand to the rural area of Ellerbe and the surrounding communities. Since that time, they have provided community gardens, after school programs, summer enrichment programs, low-income housing, Annual Mayfest, and a food pantry: Due to the pandemic, they have curtailed a number of activities, but continue with their food pantry, TEFAP, and CSFP programs. The pantry has also increased from two days per month to one day per week. During food distributions, Mineral Springs provides food for 150-200 families in Ellerbe and surrounding communities.