The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is working with partner agencies across the region to supply basic necessities to those impacted by Hurricane Florence.
 
“We worked, even before Hurricane Florence made landfall, to get our non-profit partners stocked up with water, food and supplies so they could be ready to begin serving people as soon as possible,” said Jennifer Caslin, marketing and project manager. “Thus far we have been able to distribute 517,000 pounds (the equivalent of 435,000 meals) of food and water into 22 counties.”
 
Caslin said that more than half of Food Bank CENC’s 34-county service area was impacted by Hurricane Florence. Due to the widespread impact, recovery efforts are expected to last for many months. 
 
“We're very thankful to be working with partners like Nourish NC and World Central Kitchen, who are getting the food out quickly to people who have an urgent need,” Caslin said.
 
The need for donations is perhaps greater than ever before, because Food Bank CENC must continue to serve those already facing food insecurity, in addition to all those affected by the storm.
 
The most urgently needed items include:

• High-protein canned meals with pop-top cans (ravioli, soups, spaghetti)
• Paper goods and products (paper towels/plates/cups/napkins, plastic utensils)
• Diapers
• Hygiene products (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, etc.)
• Single-serving meals that do not require refrigeration or cooking/meals ready to eat 
• Single0serving snacks such as raisins and granola bars
• Peanut butter
• Cleaning supplies and disinfectant wipes 

Financial donations can be made through the Food bank's website or via checks can be mailed to 1924 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, 27604. 

The Food Bank will host its annual Chef’s Feast event to be held Nov. 5, at Wrightsville Manor, featuring area chefs such as Vivian Howard and Jim Diecchio of Benny’s Bigtime Pizzeria, Dean Neff and Lydia Clopton of PinPoint and Love, Lydia, Ryan Andress of UNCW catering and Sam Cahoon of Savorez.
 
The event will include a seated, family-style dinner and include live music, a live auction and an open bar. See chefsfeastnc.org for information and tickets.
 
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