The Feed Our Hungry Children program in Duplin County has officially entered its twelfth year, providing essential weekend meals to students facing food insecurity. With volunteers assembling 275 backpacks weekly at Wallace Methodist Church, the program supplies non-perishable food to children in five local schools, including Beulaville, Chinquapin, and Rose Hill-Magnolia. Each backpack contains three entrees, fruit cups, beverages, and snacks, ensuring that students have nutritious meals over the weekend. The initiative, which also supports children during the 10-week summer break, saw a 50% increase in backpacks distributed over the summer months.

The program’s growth mirrors a broader trend, with food insecurity rates climbing in North Carolina. According to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, 23.5% of children in Duplin County live in food-insecure households. Rising grocery costs have also impacted the ministry, with the cost per backpack increasing by 25% since last year. Local donations from churches, businesses, and individuals help sustain the program, which saw a 20% jump in the number of children served compared to the 2022-2023 school year. Superintendent Dr. Obasohan commended the program for its impact on student well-being, noting that it helps improve school attendance and concentration by ensuring children don’t go hungry over the weekend.