Wake County is experiencing growing food insecurity, and community groups, churches and local government are expanding networks of help to fill the gaps.
A recent report from Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, using data from Feeding America’s “Map the Meal Gap,” finds that about 12% of Wake County residents struggle with food insecurity. Notably, over half of these people earn too much to qualify for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), yet too little to reliably afford groceries.
Underlying Causes
Several factors are driving food insecurity in Wake. Inflation and the persistent high costs of groceries, rent and other essentials squeeze household budgets. In rural parts outside of the county, job losses and transportation barriers make access to fresh, affordable food even harder.
Recent changes to federal funding and policies regarding SNAP and related programs also pose a risk of threatening free school meals and assistance programs. Schools in Wake County depend on thresholds of SNAP eligibility to support free meal programs; if fewer students qualify, individual schools might lose that status, which could force them to revert to collecting meal applications or charging for meals.
What’s Being Done: Local Plans and Programs
Wake County, along with non-profits and community coalitions, has built a framework of response.
The Wake County Food Security Plan, updated in 2023 through the Capital Area Food Network (CAFN), lays out strategies around equity, policy, partnerships and strengthening local food systems.
The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) in the Wake Forest / Rolesville area operates several grassroots efforts. One is the “Mobile Market” (in partnership with “Ripe for Revival"), held the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, which brings fresh meat, produce and dairy to the community on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh Food Pantry offers pantry services to families from Wake, Johnston and Franklin counties. Eligible families can receive groceries once every 30 days without needing a referral.
The Salvation Army of Wake and Lee Counties’ Hunger Relief programs provide weekly food pantry bags for families in those counties. This program is available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Each household is allowed one to three bags every three months. They also host a community meal kitchen where individuals can receive an evening meal at their community kitchen daily.
Wake Tech’s The Nest Food Pantry serves students at multiple campus locations, offering monthly food access and nutrition education tailored to student needs.
Gaps and Concerns
Despite these resources, many still fall through the cracks. People who just exceed SNAP thresholds may not have sufficient ongoing support. Transportation or mobility can limit access to food pantries. Seasonal changes like school breaks when students lose access to school meals can also create spikes in need. Also, policy changes at the state or federal level like those already in effect can ripple through, threatening funding or eligibility.
Future Efforts and How to Find Help
Local leaders are pushing for more stable funding, more flexible policy (e.g. expanding SNAP eligibility, maintaining free school meals) and stronger coordination among food providers. The 2023 Wake County Food Security Plan serves as a blueprint for these efforts.
Anyone in need of food assistance in Wake County can:
Use the Find Food tool from Inter-Faith Food Shuttle to locate nearby mobile markets and pantries.
Reach out to Catholic Charities / Catholic Parish Outreach at 919-873-0245 for pantry services.
Contact The Salvation Army of Wake and Lee Counties Hunger Relief pantry and community kitchen at 919-834-6733.
Students at Wake Tech can reach The Nest Food Pantry at 919-866-6111 or care@waketech.edu.