Our Statement on USDA Elimination of Vital Hunger Data

We are grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who provided nearly 80,000 pounds of food for families across New Bern and Wilmington! Each truckload includes a variety of shelf-stable foods such as canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, flour, pancake mix, and dried milk. Donations will be distributed across our network of local pantries, meal sites, and community partners to help neighbors experiencing food insecurity. 

Right now, 1 out of every 6 neighbors in New Bern and Wilmington do not have enough food to eat. This is the highest rate of hunger we’ve seen in at least a generation. With the rising cost of food, housing, and fuel, we’re seeing pantry visits increase by up to 60%. That’s why community partnerships like these are so important — perhaps more important than ever before.

The delivery is part of a national collaboration kicked off in November 2025, in which 250 truckloads of food will be donated to communities in all 50 states. Through America250’s America Gives initiative and the Church’s JustServe platform, volunteers, local leaders, and community organizations are coming together to put service into action. 

Every pantry I visit, without fail, someone brings up Food Lion. A story about an associate who went above and beyond. A load of protein that showed up right when they needed it. A relationship that feels real, not transactional. That’s the kind of partnership Food Lion built with us. We are so grateful for the work Food Lion does every single day to end hunger in our community. 

– Amy Beros Food Bank President & CEO

We are truly grateful for the critical resources that partners like the Church provide. This generous support allows us to nourish more people today, while we work together on solutions that will end hunger for good.

– Amy Beros Food Bank President & CEO