Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina (the Food Bank) have collaborated to achieve remarkable community support breakthroughs. The partnership has resulted in significant milestones, reflecting the commitment to addressing food insecurity and serving the local population.

In a recent Pop-Up Market held on January 23, SAU, in collaboration with the Food Bank, served 541 individuals in 158 households. January’s distribution included 207 children under 18 and 85 seniors aged 60 and above. This distribution marks the largest one to date in terms of individuals served, signifying the impactful nature of the partnership.

“Our collaboration with the Food Bank has been instrumental in addressing food insecurity within our community,” said SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus Burgess. “The recent distribution highlights the positive impact of our partnership and reflects our commitment to supporting those in need.”

Furthermore, the SAU Student Pantry has received a significant boost by donating a brand-new refrigerator from the Food Bank of Central & Eastern Carolina. The generous donation will enhance the food choices available to students and expand the options offered by the pantry. The university received the donated refrigerator on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

“The Food Bank’s ongoing support has been pivotal in expanding our capacity to serve students and residents in the Raleigh community,” said Associate Vice President of Professional Studies and Enterprise Services Dr. Cindy Love. “This collaboration has made a tangible difference in addressing food insecurity and providing essential resources to those we serve.”

The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina has reiterated its commitment to the partnership, emphasizing its dedication to supporting the initiatives to address food insecurity and enhance the community’s well-being. The Food Bank has been a dedicated supporter of the student pantry, contributing an initial donation of $1,500 for the 2022-23 fiscal year through their Child Nutrition Youth College Pantry partnership that began last Spring. Thanks to the excellent management of funds, the amount was increased to $6,000, with an additional $1,000 allotted for purchasing fresh produce for the students. In addition, the SAU Food Pantry granted university staff access to the food bank every first Tuesday of the month to shop for produce without using their funds.

“We are incredibly grateful for this donation, which will play a pivotal role in our efforts to provide students with access to nutritious food options,” said Ms. Joyce Bannerman, Director of Testing and SAU Food Pantry. “The support from the Food Bank has been invaluable in advancing our mission.”

The collaboration between SAU and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina continues to yield meaningful results, with the recent distribution and donation underscoring the positive outcomes of their combined efforts. As the partnership grows, both entities remain dedicated to their shared goal of making a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.

“We are proud to stand alongside Saint Augustine’s University in our shared mission to alleviate hunger and provide vital support to our neighbors living with food insecurity,” said Christina Paige, the Food Bank’s Programs Outreach Coordinator. “The donation of the refrigerator is a testament to our commitment to furthering the impact of our partnership.”

About Saint Augustine’s University: Founded in 1867 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the mission of Saint Augustine’s University is to sustain a learning community in which students can prepare academically, socially and spiritually for leadership in a complex, diverse and rapidly changing world.

About the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina: The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is a nonprofit organization that has provided food for people at risk of hunger in 34 counties in central and eastern North Carolina for more than 40 years. The Food Bank serves a network of approximately 700 partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and programs for children and adults through warehouses in Durham, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, the Sandhills (Southern Pines), and Wilmington. In fiscal year 2022-2023, the Food Bank distributed over 106 million pounds of food (over half of which was perishable) and non-food essentials through these agencies. Sadly, hunger remains a serious problem in central and eastern North Carolina. In these counties, 1 in 9 people struggle to access nutritious and adequate amounts of food necessary for an active and healthy life.