Food Banks in North Carolina

Spotlight: Young Volunteers Making a Difference in North Carolina

Across North Carolina, from the busy streets of Charlotte to the scenic hills of Asheville, a powerful movement is growing — and it’s being led by some of the state’s youngest citizens.

Teens and children are stepping up in creative, compassionate ways to fight hunger in their communities. Whether it’s organizing food drives, volunteering at pantries, or launching school campaigns, these young leaders are proving that you don’t need to be an adult to make a big impact.

Meet North Carolina’s Next Generation of Givers

Charlotte:
High school junior Maya started a “Backpack Buddies” program at her school after learning that some classmates didn’t have enough food over the weekends. With help from her peers and local donors, she now fills more than 50 bags each Friday with snacks and meals for younger students in need.

Asheville:
Brothers Elijah and Caleb turned their birthday party into a food drive, asking guests to bring non-perishable items instead of gifts. They delivered over 400 pounds of food to a local pantry — and inspired their entire neighborhood to do the same.

Durham:
A middle school student council launched a month-long “Cans for Kindness” challenge. The result? Over 2,000 cans collected and delivered to local shelters, all while promoting leadership and empathy among their classmates.

Why Youth Involvement Matters

Young volunteers bring energy, creativity, and passion to hunger relief efforts. They rally peers through social media, engage school communities, and think outside the box. More importantly, they are shaping the future of service in North Carolina.

According to Feeding the Carolinas, the rise of youth-led food drives has contributed to thousands of additional meals for families facing food insecurity — especially during the summer and holiday seasons when the need is at its highest.

How to Support or Get Involved

If you’re a student, parent, teacher, or community leader, there are many ways to encourage and support young hunger-fighters in your area:

  • Start a school or church food drive led by students.

  • Nominate a young volunteer for recognition or scholarship programs.

  • Offer mentorship to student-run clubs focused on service.

  • Volunteer together as a family at a local food pantry.

Not sure where to begin? Visit Feeding the Carolinas or reach out to your local food bank to find youth-friendly volunteer opportunities.

One Bag at a Time, One Heart at a Time

Young North Carolinians are showing us that kindness has no age limit. With passion and purpose, they are not just filling shelves — they’re filling hearts, strengthening communities, and changing lives.

The next generation of hunger-fighters is here, and they’re already making an extraordinary difference in the Tar Heel State.