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 world championships 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” in Texas Monthly. 

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,” he said. 

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,” Prieto said. 

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. 

“The food and beverage industry lives to feed people,” he said. “To actually make an impact, we do have to come together as one and impact it.” 

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,” Prieto added. 

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

Community members wanting to support can visit Prime Barbecue in Knightdale Station Run throughout September. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until they sell out.