The Food Bank Network: working toward a future where no one goes hungry – no matter where we live, where we’re from, who we love, or the color of our skin. 

Our network is made of more than 700 incredible pantries, no-cost markets, meal sites, and delivery programs across central and eastern North Carolina.

From school-based pantries and mobile markets, to senior centers and faith-based organizations, each organization is firmly rooted in a local neighborhood or community. Combined, we source and distribute enough food to fuel more than 100 million meals each year – alongside programs that connect community members to essential resources like healthcare, utility assistance, and affordable housing.  

Learn more about our network and opportunities to get involved below.

Woman stands behind table displaying an overflowing bag of food including cereal, apples, peanut butter, soup, canned veggies, and more.

“The staff at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina are so friendly and helpful. They always explain procedures and availabilities of food items very patient and thoroughly. There are many options for food items for the patients we serve, and the variety and quality are very great for our patients, especially the produce items that we pick up weekly. We are always happy to see what the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina have for us.”  -Partner

“They provide support not only in physical merchandise (food ) but also resources, such as training and that help keep our food pantry to be efficient. The staff is well trained, professional, and very approachable.”  -Partner

“The Food Bank offers updates for continuously growing our Pantry Program which helps us to stay up to date on State mandates for public policies for charitable organizations.”  -Partner

Network Values

Our 700+ local partners hold people facing hunger at the center of every decision – from the food we source and distribute, to the programs we invest in, to the policies we advocate for. Within this commitment, our network is guided by a set of core values:

  • Neighbor Focus

    We’re here to provide food, non-food essentials, hope and support. The needs, challenges, and opportunities of our neighbors fuel our shared mission and goal to serve communities as best as we possibly can.

  • Partnership

    We are stronger when we work together. We want to know each other, share resources, and leverage strengths to overcome challenges. Being an engaged partner means walking alongside one another and sharing the food, knowledge, and resources that are needed to reach a future where no one goes hungry. 

  • Accessibility

    The amount of food each partner distributes is secondary to how accessible those resources are to communities facing hunger. The frequency of distributions, the resources we offer alongside food, and how welcoming an environment we offer to neighbors are all key aspects of accessibility. 

  • Health, Safety, and Well-being

    The health, safety, and well-being of our neighbors is our top priority. Each partner must adhere to high standards in food safety, community access to resources, and related reporting. Regular training on best practices, record-keeping requirements, and site visits are all elements of this commitment. 

  • Capacity

    Hunger is at its highest point in nearly 20 years and we continue to see record numbers of people seeking assistance across our network. Each partner must have strong connections and support in the local community, as well as capacity to adapt and grow to meet evolving needs. 

Network Membership

Our network is here to ensure everyone in our communities has access to food and other essential resources – no matter where we live, where we’re from, who who we love, or the color of our skin. With so many changes at the state and federal level that directly impact this vision, we are currently assessing network capacity and determining recruitment priorities based on:

  • Geographic and demographic gaps in service availability
  • Overall availability of healthy, culturally-familiar and versatile foods
  • Capacity of existing partners
  • Scope of services and resources each organization currently offers

In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out if your organization is in an underserved area and has the capacity to support. There are many ways to get involved locally. Just one example: our Pop-up Markets offer a solid pathway to improve resource availability in the community and build local capacity to host a formal pantry or no-cost market along the way.

Join the Fight

We’re honored and humbled by the outpouring of support from community leaders who share our vision for a hunger-free future. With more than 700 partners across our service area, most communities currently host at least one food assistance organization that is part of the Food Bank network. We encourage you to explore collaboration opportunities with the agency closest to you — or check out the FAQ below for other ways to make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Food Bank partners are registered 501(c)3 non-profits, government and community institutions, and healthcare, education, and faith-based organizations that operate a:

  • Free food pantry
  • No-cost market
  • Meal site (sometimes called soup kitchens)
  • Short-term housing/shelters
  • Mobile market or food delivery program (such as Meals on Wheels)
  • Senior or child nutrition programs

We do not currently partner with group homes, residential facilities, and daycare centers.

With more than 700 partners across our service area, most communities currently host at least one food assistance organization that is part of the Food Bank network. We encourage you to explore collaboration opportunities with the agency closest to you! Find nearby locations here.

We have a host of opportunities for groups to make a difference locally. Check out the links below to find an option that works best for your organization.

There are specific circumstances – such as disaster response – that that allow for one-time or short-term distributions. However, Food Bank-sourced food is generally only available to contracted partner organizations in our network.

Feeding America is the national coalition of food banks, representing nearly 200 hunger relief hubs including the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. All local organizations in our 34-county service area must contract with us to become a member of the Feeding America network.

There are seven food banks that serve North Carolina communities. If you are outside our 34-county service area, you can find a sister food bank in your area on this map.

Join Our Movement to End Hunger For Good

There are a host of ways to make a difference right now in the fight to end hunger. If you’re able, please take a minute to lend your time, your voice, or your financial support as we work to meet rising challenges head on!

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