5 ways the Wake Forest community is helping combat food insecurity this holiday season

This holiday season, the Wake Forest community is embodying the spirit of Pro Humanitate by coming together to fight hunger across Winston-Salem and beyond. From food drives to meal deliveries, Deacs are showing that even small acts of generosity can make a big difference. Here are five ways you can join the effort to help combat food insecurity this season.

1. TurkeyPalooza

Wake Forest Campus Kitchen’s largest annual event, TurkeyPalooza, aims to raise $4,000 to cook more than 600 Thanksgiving meals and help combat year-round food insecurity in the Winston-Salem area. All financial gifts go directly to purchase healthy ingredients, including turkeys and side dishes such as potatoes, green beans, stuffing, and pumpkin cookies. See more from the 2024 TurkeyPalooza event, donate at TurkeyPalooza, and volunteer with Campus Kitchen in the preparation and delivery of meals to local community partners.

2. Athletes giving back:

Wake Forest Athletics is partnering with SPARK and The Twenty, local non-profit organizations that address food insecurity among Winston-Salem residents. Student-athletes are collecting and distributing food to local food pantries that serve those in need.

3. Second Harvest Food Bank

Several opportunities are emerging around campus this holiday season to help combat hunger in our community by supporting Second Harvest Food Bank. The Staff Advisory Council, University Advancement, University Marketing and Communications, Health Policy & Administration, and many other departments are teaming up with the Second Harvest Food Bank to support individuals struggling with food insecurity. Look out for donation boxes throughout Wake Forest, including in Charlotte, the Reynolda campus, the University Corporate Center, and Wake Downtown.

Deacs can support The Second Harvest Food Bank Virtual Food Drive to feed local families, with every dollar providing meals to those in need. Volunteering opportunities are available with The Second Harvest Food Bank by sorting, packing, and distributing food Monday through Friday, 9 am-1 pm or 2-4 pm, and also by sponsoring a Box for Second Harvest by organizing your department or group to fill a physical donation box or sponsor a virtual box with a $500 gift to support families across Northwest NC. Suggested donations include low-sodium canned goods, whole grains, and protein-rich items such as tuna, chicken, or peanut butter. 

4. Meals on Wheels

The Office of Community and Civic Engagement is helping Senior Services by delivering meals and smiles to seniors across Forsyth County — volunteer with Meals on Wheels.  

5. Crisis Control Ministries:

Distributing more than 420,000 pounds of food to those in need in 2024, the mission of Crisis Control Ministries is to assist people in crisis to meet essential life needs and to empower them toward greater stability and well-being. The Office of Community and Civic Engagement is teaming up to support donations to Crisis Control Ministries.