CAHEC's Nutrition Assistance Initiative Distributes Over 50,000 Meals to Low-Income Families

CAHEC actively supported communities through its Nutrition Assistance Initiative by sponsoring three significant food distributions and one School Pantry program during November and December. The initiative distributed substantial food resources to low-income families across multiple North Carolina locations, addressing immediate nutritional needs while supporting broader community wellness goals. Two distributions occurred in Rocky Mount, NC, where CAHEC collaborated with the Interfaith Food Shuttle, a nonprofit member of the Feeding America National Network of Food Banks dedicated to serving North Carolina.

Volunteers prepared and distributed food boxes totaling 21,029 pounds of food, equating to approximately 17,524 meals to low-income households in the area. Families received bags containing fresh produce, meat, bread, and non-perishable items through drive-through distributions. In November, CAHEC funded another food distribution in Greensboro, NC, in partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, a leading domestic hunger relief organization. This event served 294 households consisting of 243 seniors, 404 children, and 394 adults.

The Greensboro distribution provided produce, non-perishable foods, meats, bread, and essential toiletries, with over 37,000 pounds of food equaling 31,029 meals distributed. Each household received a gift card to a local grocery store, allowing them to purchase additional groceries, medicines, or other essentials. CAHEC also sponsored School Choice pantries at two Raleigh area High Schools: Southeast Raleigh High School and Sanderson High School. As of November 30th, the program served 4,203 pounds of food, totaling around 3,502 meals for students and their families.

CAHEC's Nutrition Assistance Initiative represents part of its Community Investments, which aims to provide educational and wellness opportunities to families living in properties within the CAHEC portfolio. Stefanie Lee, Community Relations Manager, emphasized the program's significance, stating that providing nutrition assistance to residents represents a commitment to ensure everyone has access to healthy meals year-round. The initiative extends beyond housing to deliver essential support that builds stronger and healthier communities.

The combined efforts resulted in distributing over 50,000 meals through various channels, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing food insecurity. These distributions occurred during months when many families face increased financial pressures, making the timing particularly impactful. By partnering with established food banks and implementing school-based programs, CAHEC created multiple access points for nutritional support. The initiative's structure allows for both immediate relief through food distributions and ongoing support through school pantries.

This nutritional assistance complements CAHEC's broader mission as a community investment organization that offers housing and life-changing opportunities throughout its Southeast and Mid-Atlantic footprint. The organization's product areas include investing in low-income housing tax credits, historic tax credits, new markets tax credits, and renewable energy credits. CAHEC also provides loan programs, wellness and education initiatives for residents, affordable housing development, and property management services. The Nutrition Assistance Initiative demonstrates how housing organizations can expand their impact beyond physical structures to address fundamental human needs.