Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST)
What is NCFST?
The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) is a network of partners and community members who are passionate about eliminating food insecurity in Northern Wake County. The NCFST also serves as a collaborative hub where volunteers and local organizations assemble to discuss and develop strategies to fight hunger in Northern Wake County with a special emphasis on areas in and around Wake Forest and Rolesville. Relationships established by NCFST are critical for securing and communicating the availability of needed resources.
NCFST Overview
In February 2018, the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners endorsed Wake County’s Comprehensive Food Security Plan making the Town the first in Wake County to join our area’s local food council, the Capital Area Food Network (CAFN). The plan is designed to move the county towards strategies that address hunger now and in the future.
The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST), a 501(c) (1) organization, was created to develop and launch a viable food security plan for northern Wake County that aligns with the CAFN plan. The Wake Forest Board of Commissioners charged NCFST with enlisting community members, food security organizations, resource experts, and other stakeholders to develop activities, policies, and partnerships that will move the county towards food security and a sustainable food future.
NCFST Update
At the August Food Security Summit, we discussed how local food pantries could stretch our resources by working together. We’re ready to take a practical first step: a group purchasing pilot focused on shelf-stable proteins.
Please join us on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from noon to 2 p.m. on Zoom. We’ll discuss which products are needed, what quantities we could purchase together, and how a shared order would work. Our goal is to leave the call with commitments from participants interested in joining the pilot.
To show what might be possible, here are some potential products and estimated bulk prices:
Item | Estimated price |
|---|---|
| Pinto beans, 16 oz bag | $0.65 |
| Black beans, 16 oz bag | $0.81 |
| Tuna, 5 oz can | $0.74 |
If the pilot succeeds, we could expand to additional participants and products. Other potential items include rice at $0.56 per 16 oz bag and mac and cheese at $0.40 per 7.25 oz box. Prices will depend on the products and quantities we ultimately order.
We hope you’ll join us and help turn an idea from the Summit into a shared effort that puts more food on our neighbors’ tables.
More from NCFST
NCFST 2026 Bi‑Annual Community Meeting Dates
- March 10 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Wake Forest Town Hall, Meeting Rooms A&B - Post Meeting Notes (PDF, 175.17 KB)
August 4 | Meeting Cancelled
NOTE: The August 4th NCFST meeting is canceled as we shift full focus to the 2026 Food Security Summit on August 26, 2026. A completed Pre‑Summit Survey is required and serves as your admission ticket. To request the survey, please email: NCFSTFoodSecuritySummit@wakeforestnc.gov
- August 26 | 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. | NCFST Food Security Summit - Wake Forest Renaissance Centre
The NCFST hosts in‑person Bi‑Annual Community Meetings twice each year to bring together partners, organizations, and residents for collaboration, networking, and sharing best practices. These open meetings strengthen relationships across our community and support the ongoing work of addressing food insecurity. Everyone is invited to participate and contribute to strengthening local partnerships.
2026 NCFST Food Summit
Sponsored by Wake Forest Mayor Ben Clapsaddle, this summit will bring together nonprofit organizations, faith communities, businesses, healthcare providers, educators, local government, and community leaders who all share a common goal:
Building a stronger, more coordinated response to food insecurity in Northern Wake County.
This won't be a conference filled with presentations. It will be a working session focused on identifying practical opportunities for collaboration and leaving with a small number of achievable, high-impact initiatives.
Wednesday, Aug. 26 | Wake Forest Renaissance Centre
Mingle & Greet: 5:30-6 p.m.
Summit: 6-8 p.m.
Questions?
Drop a note to NCFSTFoodSecuritySummity@wakeforestnc.gov(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab) and we'll be happy to help.
SAVE THE DATE: 2026 Youth Food Security Summit
- DATE: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
- TIME: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- LOCATION: John Chavis Memorial Park (505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27601)(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab)
- PARTICIPANTS: Wake County High School Students
CROP Hunger Walk
Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 8, and join us for the 2026 Wake Forest CROP Hunger Walk Kickoff Meeting at St. John's Episcopal Church, 834 Durham Road, Wake Forest. We will meet from 10-11:30am.
Come meet our local hunger partners, learn how CROP Hunger Walk funds make a difference in our community and around the world, and discover new ideas to strengthen your fundraising efforts.
The annual Wake Forest CROP Hunger Walk will take place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Wake Forest Historical Museum. For more information, please send an email.
You may register now or same day registration opens at 2:00 PM and the walk begins at 3:00.
Mobile Market by Ripe for Revival
2nd & 4th Thursday (Jan - Oct) | 1st & 3rd Thursday (Nov & Dec) | 3-4:30 p.m. (Rain or Shine) | 350 E. Holding Ave.
The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) is partnering with Ripe for Revival to offer a mobile grocery store on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 3-4:30 p.m. across from the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave. Offering fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy from local and regional farmers on a pay-what-you-can scale, the Ripe for Revival Mobile Market made its inaugural debut in September 2023. Donate to the Mobile Market
Ripe for Revival utilizes its network of farmer and food industry relationships to narrow the gap between farm excess and food access. The company purchases “retired” city or school buses, renovates them to include refrigerators and freezers, and transforms them into Mobile Markets that can drive into communities impacted by food insecurity. Rain or Shine, however, may be rescheduled due to severe weather.
Successful 2026 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive in Wake Forest
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Stamp Out Hunger initiative. Your support helped strengthen our community’s food resources and ensured more families have access to the essentials they need. We appreciate your commitment and partnership. Next year's drive is Saturday, May 8, 2027.
Join us for the 6th Annual Youth Food Security Summit, a free, one-day experience for students ages 13–18.
10 AM–4 PM
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Chavis Community Center, Raleigh, NC
Ages 13–18 Register Here
Rooted in Action, this year's summit empowers teens to explore food insecurity, engage with local changemakers, and leave with the tools, connections, and next steps to create meaningful change in their schools, neighborhoods, and beyond.
Throughout the day, participants will hear from youth speakers, take part in interactive workshops and hands-on service projects, and connect with community leaders and organizations working to address hunger across Wake County. Teens will explore the root causes of food insecurity, discover local solutions, and learn practical ways to stay involved long after the summit ends.
Designed by teens, for teens, the Youth Food Security Summit uplifts youth voices and inspires the next generation of leaders to turn ideas into action and create lasting change in their communities.
Participants will receive:
- Free lunch
- 2 verified community service hours
- A choice of two interactive workshops (one morning session and one afternoon session)
- Opportunities to connect with local organizations and continue making an impact beyond the summit
Past Impact:
2025: Youth assembled 200 meal kits to support families experiencing food insecurity in Wake County.
2024: Participants packed 200+ care kits for The Women's Center while learning food preservation skills like seed saving and pickling.
2023: Teens designed, painted, and installed community food pantries to increase access to food for neighbors facing hunger.
More details on Facebook
Community Connections Garden
Inviting all interested volunteers to the Community Connections Garden! The Community Connections Garden is always excited when we have new volunteers join us! If you have not visited and assisted in the garden work, please consider joining us. Join us at the Wake Forest Baptist Church Community Connections Garden on Saturdays and Wednesday's during harvest season. 10:00 am. Please feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested. You will be making a difference in our community! If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Gene Cross
2026 Community Connections Garden Membership
Annual membership dues are $20 per individual/family along with ten (10) hours of volunteer service in the garden. Garden membership opens March 1st and closes November 30th. Individuals may pay at the garden or click the button below.
Membership or Donation(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab)
NECC Community Garden & Gathering Space
Volunteers are the heart of our community garden, located at 504 N. Taylor St. in the northeast. Your help is crucial in making this project a success. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newcomer, we encourage you to bring your friends and neighbors to join in.
Feel free to share this with your friends and networks—everyone is welcome! All dates for the remainder of the year are available.
The NECC Leadership Team consist of community residents and partners in the coalition. Please contact Resident Garden Coordinator, Theatric Caudle for more information. We're inviting everyone to sign up and volunteer.
Garden hours: Thursdays, 11 am-3 pm
Volunteer days: First and third Saturdays of each month
Facebook: wfnecc
Instagram: @necccoalition
Wake Forest Presbyterian Church Giving Garden
Our outreach ministries also include those who help support our church family and community, our Dementia Caregivers Support Group and Stephen Ministers. The mission is to create and heighten awareness of the places in need throughout the world and to present our church family with ministries/mission opportunities that reach out to these places and that spark our hearts with passion, faith, and love for others. As we consider places in need, we look to all areas – near and far – in our local community, in the United States, and around the world – that are struggling with poverty, physical hunger, spiritual hunger, discrimination, disasters, disease, and social injustice.
Contact Larry Roper for more information.
Expands to Meet Growing Need & Making a Difference
The Town of Wake Forest’s mini-pantry program continues to grow in response to increasing community need. Through partnerships with Tri-Area Ministry and Ripe Revival, we now receive non-perishable donations twice a month, supplemented by canned food drives and regular contributions. Town staff currently stock the pantry twice weekly to ensure consistent access.
Facilities recently completed a brand-new mini pantry, which will be installed this week at the Hope House property. It replaces the original pantry—weathered from years of service—that has long been a trusted resource for neighbors in need.
We invite everyone in the community to contribute unopened, non-perishable canned food items meant to be shared. We sincerely appreciate your efforts in keeping the box well-organized. By joining forces, we can make a meaningful difference—ensuring no one goes hungry, especially during challenging times.
Whether you’re donating or receiving, the message remains the same: “Take what you need, leave what you can.”
Donation Guidelines
To help us maintain a safe and organized pantry, please follow these simple guidelines:
- Only donate canned goods—please avoid glass containers.
- Please do not leave items outside the pantry unattended.
- All food must be unopened and in good condition.
- No perishable items such as fresh produce, dairy, or frozen foods.
- Place donations inside the pantry, behind the closed doors.
Your thoughtful contributions help ensure this resource remains clean, accessible, and welcoming for everyone. Thank you for supporting your neighbors!
Mini-Pantry Locations
- Hope House
334 North Allen Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587 - Northern Regional Center
350 East Holding Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Disclaimer: Items in this pantry are community‑donated. The Town of Wake Forest is not responsible for the quality, safety, or expiration of donated goods. Use at your own discretion.
The holiday season brought incredible collaboration across our local partners. Ripe Revival Holiday donated 150 boxes of food and produce, which were transported with support from Tri‑Area Ministry. These boxes were distributed to families at the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club, the Wake Forest Community Table, and Tri‑Area Ministry.
In addition, the Town of Rolesville hosted a Holiday Meal Giveaway, providing 300 hams and sides to local families. The Boys & Girls Club again received a designated portion, with the remaining meals offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Any leftover meals were delivered to the New Bethel Food Pantry.
Both efforts reflect the strength of our community and the shared commitment to supporting local families during the holiday season.
2026 Easter Food Box Distribution
Grateful for the opportunity to help support 50 local families with Easter meal boxes. The Easter Bunny even stopped by to spread some extra cheer. Thankful for our partnership with Ripe for Revival.
Update from our partner Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry
Donations Needed! Donations are gratefully accepted at the pantry during open hours: Mondays and Wednesdays and the second and third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Can't make it to the TAM office on Monday or Wednesday? Our partners in the community offer donation bins where we can accept your non-perishable food items.
Wake Forest Community Table - Meals are served Mondays at Hope House from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at Olive Branch Baptist Church from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
They offer take home meals, casseroles, produce and groceries. Volunteers may sign up to help serve.
For more information or to make a donation, contact Joy Shillingburg.
These short videos were created to show the need to address senior hunger in our community.
The NCFST partners with local organizations to offer several volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Volunteers are needed for a variety of activities and initiatives.
NCFST Volunteer Registration Form
Other volunteer opportunities are highlighted below.
Community Gardens
Volunteer at a growing number of gardens. For more information on the Wake Forest Baptist Church's Community Connections Garden contact Gene Cross, the Wake Forest Presbyterian Church Community Garden contact Melanie Floyd or the Spring Street Garden contact Tilde Caudle.
Local Food Programs
Volunteer to sort and distribute food at Tri-Area Ministry (TAM), Hope House, Back Pack Buddies, St. Catherine's of Siena, Richland Creek and other area organizations. Have extra produce you're your garden? Donate it to local pantries! For more information, contact Andrew Brown, Jr.
Wake Forest Area Hunger Ministry
The Wake Forest Area Hunger Ministry is a coalition of churches, civic organizations and service groups building a community-wide Hunger Ministry for North East Wake County and Youngsville. Volunteers are needed for a variety of activities and initiatives. For more information, email George Shaw or call 919-761-5295.
First Fruits Farms - Servant Center & Community Garden
Volunteer to serve your community by helping us at First Fruit Farms. Regular volunteer hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9-11 am. 1950 E. River Road, Louisburg, NC.
Gleaning
Harvest and bag sweet potatoes, corn and other crops on farms that donate produce for charity near Wake Forest during October for Yam Jam as well as all year around. The Society of St. Andrew coordinates these events. For more information, contact Dave Eaton.
Raleigh Food Bank
Sort anything from canned goods to frozen meet and veggies at the regional food bank. Generally 2nd Thursday of each month from 1-3 pm and once a quarter from 6-8 pm on Wednesday evening. For more information, contact Dennis Beemer at 630-319-1155.
The Northern Community Food Security Team is a Wake Forest Cares initiative. Take a look at the WF Cares Holiday Kick-off Highlights video.
Food HUB
For approximately 2 years the NCFST operated a remote Food Hub to assist about 15 local food pantries. Weekly, we provided fresh produce, shelf stable goods and on occasion meat & dairy. This was possible through the CAFN ARPA funding program.
Weekend Meals Program
In partnership with the WCPSS lunch/breakfast drive by pick up, we have partnered with several local non-profits to assist with food bags/boxes of shelf stable non-perishable items.
Town of Wake Forest donated pickup truck
The Town donated a truck to help deliver food and help with gleaning efforts.
Rise Against Hunger
This event was a meal packing event at the Wake Forest Boys & Girls. They packed several thousand meals and helped to stock the Tri Area Ministry, as volunteers were asked to bring donations. There were about 200 volunteers from local community groups.
The Triangle Blessing Box has partnered with and is located at the Hope House
Our Mission at the Triangle Blessing Box, is to provide a 24/7 judgement free pantry, where community members are encouraged to take what they need and leave what they can. There is also a lockbox inside where people can write specific requests, and the Blessing Box team work to fill that need. The Blessing Box is also aimed at connecting neighbors on a more personal level to help bridge the gap in our community with those in need and those who want to help. The address for the Hope House is 334 North Allen Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
Approved for the Alston-Massenburg to be a Family Summer Feeding Program
More details forthcoming regarding this partnership with Wake Forest Parks & Recreation Department, Olive Branch Baptist Church, the Northeast Community Coalition and others. For more information, contact Joy Shillingsburg.
Partnership with the Northeast Community Coalition (NECC), Wake Forest Parks & Recreation Department Cooking Classes at the Alston-Massenburg Center
EFNEP will be leading this cooking classes with capacity at 25 participants. There will be more classes in the future.
Feed the Community food distribution under the Pavilion at Alston-Massenburg Center
On March 16, Food Bank in Raleigh delivered 10-12,000 pounds of food and it was distributed to over 100 families. Stay tuned for more dates in the future.
Potato Drop at St. Catherine's of Siena
Hundreds of volunteers worked together to bag about 25,000 pounds of white potatoes. It was a partnership between local churches, food pantries, youth groups and military/vets - at the end of the event all waste and pallets were delivered to a local community garden.
Town donates laptop computers to local food pantries
One of the immediate needs identified in the CAFN Plan was for laptops at local food pantries. In response, the Town recently donated four (4) laptops to local food pantries.
NCFST & Ripe Revival Easter Food Boxes giveaway to the first 50 families that registered
The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) and Ripe Revival are helping to provide Easter dinner for 50 local families by giving each a free box of food.
Volunteer Recruitment
Established an online volunteer registration form to help recruit volunteers for the various programs.
Hope House
The Hope House feeds the community every Thursday. NCFST assists with picking up food from Raleigh and delivering/sorting at the HOPE House several times per month.
CROP Walk
Each year we partner and support the efforts of the CROP Walk for Hunger
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