Black History and the Fight to End Hunger

During Hunger Action Month this September, Food Bank supporters can dine out at partnering restaurants to purchase #PlateItForward dishes. A portion of the proceeds from each order directly benefits the Food Bank and our network of over 700 partner agencies and meal sites. Learn about the award-winning chefs who are helping the Food Bank take hunger off the table.

Chef Christoper Prieto | Prime Barbecue

Christopher Prieto, also known as the “barbecue nerd,” is the owner of Prime Barbecue, one of the restaurants participating in this year’s Plate It Forward campaign. Prime Barbecue, located at Knightdale Station Park, draws crowds well before its 11 am opening. His restaurant often sells out of its signature beef brisket and ribs.

Prieto spent over a decade honing his skills at invite-only competitions for BBQ Pitmasters. Prieto's home state of Texas recognized Prime Barbecue as one of the “Top Texas-Style BBQ Joints Outside the Lone Star State.”

For Chef Christopher Prieto, his reason for partnering with the Food Bank is simple.

I think restaurants in general have a responsibility in the community.
– Chef Christopher Prieto Owner of Prime Barbecue and Primo Latin Cuisine

His MICHELIN-award-winning restaurant is known for its whole-hog lechon, a Puerto Rican dish served at both Prime Barbecue and its sister restaurant, Primo Latin Cuisine. These dishes are a celebration of Prieto's Puerto Rican heritage.

We really wanted to showcase a very impactful dish in a restaurant to create a very impactful purpose in our community.
– Chef Christopher Prieto Owner of Prime Barbecue and Primo Latin Cuisine

The whole-hog lechon is featured in several dishes, including the empanadas and pressed Cuban sandwiches. It is something Prieto said is very important to him and his family, much like the Plate it Forward campaign.

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The food and beverage industry lives to feed people. To actually make an impact, we do have to come together as one and impact it.
– Chef Christopher Prieto Owner of Prime Barbecue and Primo Latin Cuisine

Prieto said he sees community members experiencing hunger all around him. It’s why the mission to fight against it is so important to him.

We’re feeding the community; we’re taking care of people, and that means more than just our patrons. That means people who also can’t afford to eat here.
– Chef Christopher Prieto Owner of Prime Barbecue and Primo Latin Cuisine

For every lechon dish sold during September, one dollar will go towards the Food Bank to support the Plate it Forward campaign.

Join the fight to end hunger by visiting Prime Barbecue throughout September. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until they sell out.

Learn More About Cookie's Impact

General Manager Mustafa Ramaeanovic | The Lenny at 555

Helping bring access to food options inspired the staff at the Lenny at 555 to join the Plate It Forward campaign.

Located in downtown Durham, the rooftop restaurant sees hundreds of families daily for brunch, lunch and dinner. 

General Manager Mustafa Ramaeanovic said their famous Hibiscus Brussels will be featured during this month’s campaign.

“It’s a staple,” he said. “It goes on every table.”

The dish includes Brussels sprouts topped with Greek yogurt, the house hibiscus sauce and honey. Ramaeanovic said it has been a hit since they opened. 

“Chef kind of just dreamt something up and made it happen,” he continued. 

Aside from making delicious dishes and unique drinks, Ramaeanovic said being able to help the community while still doing something they love is a blessing. 

“That’s the best feeling to be able to feed people, provide them with something that makes them happy,” he said. 

The Lenny at 555 is in downtown Durham on South Mangum Street across from the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. They are open for dinner Monday through Friday and brunch and dinner on the weekends. 

Help take hunger off the table.

Locally-owned restaurants, bakeries, and breweries are the lifeblood of our community — and we're excited to partner with these incredible small businesses throughout Hunger Action Month. At a time when more than 600,000 of our neighbors don't know where their next meal might come from, it's never been more important to #PlateItForward.

It's incredibly easy to make a difference:

Visit any participating restaurant or brewery (see 2026 roster below)

Order the #PlateItForward dish, beverage, or dessert

A portion of proceeds from each order directly benefits the Food Bank and our network of 700+ local partner pantries and meal sites

Share your #PlateItForward meal on social to help spread the word! (you can tag us @foodbankcenc)

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Black leadership formed an early cornerstone of the movement to end hunger — and remains vital to our work today.