Food Bank Founder Barbara Oates was born into a tradition of service. In the late 1970s, Barbara's mother was busy running a soup kitchen in Raleigh when she asked Barbara to attend a meeting on her behalf. This meeting was a gathering of community leaders who sought to establish a food bank to provide long-term support for families facing food insecurity. Since Barbara had more time to explore this idea, she sprang into action. Barbara became our Founding Executive Director when she started the Food Bank in 1980.
– Barbara Oates Food Bank Founding Executive DirectorI brought my card table from home and a chair, and we had a telephone, and we started from there.
The Food Bank immediately started working in rural areas where the need was the greatest. The indigenous community in Lumberton was one of the first recipients of Food Bank donations. Lumberton community leaders used Food Bank donations to distribute food through their social services network.
Four decades later, the Food Bank continues Barbara's commitment to rural communities. We now have a network of over 700 pantries, meal sites, and delivery programs across central and eastern North Carolina.
Barbara is often an honored guest at Food Bank celebrations. We are so grateful for Barbara's vision in building the foundation of our network. She often remembers how much we've grown since the Food Bank's first opening.
– Barbara Oates Food Bank Founding Executive DirectorI'm so grateful...that people have hearts and have kept this organization not only going, but growing.
We are proud to welcome Amy Beros home as the President & CEO of the Food Bank. A long-time anti-poverty advocate, Amy Beros served as a member of the Food Bank’s executive team for several years, including leadership of the campaign that established our state-of-the art headquarters and central distribution center in Raleigh. Amy Beros brings deep North Carolina roots, close knowledge of Food Bank Network operations, and decades of experience in philanthropy and strategic partnerships to the local fight to end hunger and its root causes.
In just one year, Amy has made an immeasurable impact while facing unprecedented challenges. Last year, during the longest government shutdown in this country's history, Amy worked with Governor Josh Stein to receive a $3.3 million investment in our efforts to support impacted families. Amy led our crisis response with focus and determination. During the 2025 shutdown, the Food Bank purchased fresh produce and launched mobile markets for families missing paychecks and SNAP benefits.
Through uncertainty and setbacks, Amy's commitment remains the same: "Food is available to all who need it."
– Amy Beros Food Bank President & CEOThe Food Bank has always had a special place in my heart because of the amazing team, resilient partner network, and incredible generosity of our supporter community. In many ways, the challenges our communities face have never been greater. But together, I know we can achieve a future where no one goes hungry – no matter where we live, where we’re from, or the color of our skin.
Earline Middleton has a lasting legacy at the Food Bank. In 2022, Earline retired as the Vice President of Partner Services & Public Policy following 32 years of service to our organization. As the public face for the Food Bank, Earline shattered glass ceilings as the first woman VP and first VP of color. During her career, Earline has played a vital role in the implementation of anti-hunger and anti-poverty legislation. She testified before the USDA, a congressional workshop, and hosted North Carolina Congressional delegations.
Under Earline’s leadership, her team greatly expanded the capacity of the Food Bank’s partner agencies. Her team launched two new child nutrition programs – Kids Cafe and Kids Summer Meals. They also advocated for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) to provide food boxes to seniors in our community. We are extremely proud of Earline's accomplishments as we work to continue her legacy at the Food Bank.
– Earline Middleton Retired Food Bank Vice President of Partner Services & Public PolicyIt has been an honor and a privilege to work at the Food Bank. It hasn’t always been smooth or easy, but the work we carried and the battles we fought have been to provide better access and more nutritious food for the too many people in need. A lot of minds and policies have been changed along these 32 years and for that I am thankful.
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