Special to IFN

As schools let out for summer break, many families across the Lake Norman area face an increased struggle to put food on the table. FeedNC is calling on the community to come together during its 2026 Summer Hunger Food Drive, running June 15-19, with a goal of collecting 15,000 pounds of food and raising $40,000 to help provide meals and grocery support throughout the summer months.

This year’s campaign is being amplified by a generous $20,000 anonymous matching gift, meaning every dollar donated during the drive will be doubled up to $20,000.

The week-long food drive will kick off with a Summer Party at FeedNC from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 15. Families, businesses, churches, and community members are invited to celebrate while supporting neighbors in need. The event will include food, games, activities, and opportunities to drop off donations in person.

“Summer can be one of the hardest times of the year for families facing hunger,” said Karen Belgrader, chief development officer at FeedNC. “For many children, school meals provide a reliable source of nutrition during the year. When those meals disappear for the summer, the need in our community grows significantly. This campaign is about making sure families know they are not alone and that our community is willing to step up together to help.”

FeedNC is encouraging local businesses, churches, civic organizations, and individuals to get involved by hosting food drives, donating funds, volunteering, or helping spread awareness throughout the community.

Because of the anonymous matching gift, every contribution will go twice as far in helping FeedNC continue providing meals, groceries, and support services to neighbors in need during the summer season. Most-needed food items and additional information about how to participate can be found at FeedNC Summer Hunger Food Drive.

Every dollar raised and every pound of food collected directly supports FeedNC’s mission to create connections to food, education, and resources as a catalyst for transformative life change.

FeedNC is located at 2456 Charlotte Highway in Mooresville.

About FeedNC

FeedNC is a nonprofit organization based in Mooresville, NC, dedicated to serving individuals and families in need through its dignified dining experience at Donoghue’s Open Door, its community-focused grocery program Grassroots Grocery, and a variety of educational and workforce development initiatives. FeedNC’s mission is to create connections to food, education, and resources as a catalyst for transformative life change.