ABC11 Together Food Drive surpasses goal of 2 million meals during COVID-19 pandemic

The ABC11 Together Food Drive surpassed all expectations thanks to the generosity of the Triangle community.

This is the 34th year of this food drive, but (like many things during the COVID-19 pandemic) it looked different than ever before. Instead of a typical drive-thru event, donations for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast NC were accepted in a virtual format to ensure safety for all involved.

If you are in need of food, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast NC are working hard to keep their information updated with local pantries that remain open and providing service. It is strongly encouraged that you call ahead to confirm. Phone numbers are included in the links below.

-Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC: Food Finder

-Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast NC: Food Finder

The food drive ended Wednesday evening, December 9.

ABC11 is proud to announce that the original goal of 1.5 million meals donated was exceeded by 4 p.m. A new goal of 2 million meals was set and the final total came in at 2,313,153 meals!.

The community needed support more than ever this year. Because of the pandemic, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC reports a 38% increase in need, with many people needing assistance for the first time. That means that nearly 760,000 people in their service area could be food insecure.

Thank you for helping us reach our goal so that no one goes hungry this holiday season!

It's not too late to help:

How you can help our neighbors in need

- Click A Box: Give a monetary donation here or on Facebook.

- Pick A Box: You can visit a Food Lion and if a prepackaged $5 Food Lion Feeds Holidays without Hunger box is still available, you can purchase it and it will be donated.