September 2026

News & Announcements

Hunger Action Month is Here! 🍑



September marks our 19th year of shining a spotlight on the realities of hunger in our communities—and on the simple actions each of us can take to strengthen food security across our region.

Whether you have an hour to give, an idea to share, or a closet full of orange, here’s how to jump in:

• Go orange on Sept 29: Wear your bright orange gear for Hunger Action Day and help us flood social media with awareness.
• Host a food drive: Round up your friends, fam, or coworkers to collect high-need pantry staples.
• Grab a volunteer shift: Sign up to help us sort and move food and meals.

Together, we can turn compassion into action and help make sure everyone can access the food they need to thrive!


Welcome to Our Table!

Interested in learning more about our work and community impact?

Each month, our CEO, Eric Aft, leads a conversation on a different topic related to our mission. This month, he'll discuss Hunger Action Month and How Integral Volunteers Are.

Join us tomorrow on September 15 from 4:00–5:00 p.m. Attend in person at our Winston-Salem headquarters or virtually. We'd love to have you with us! A virtual link will be shared prior to those who have RSVP’d.

Please note: While Eric is knowledgeable about many aspects of our work, our Volunteer Services team is the best resource for questions about volunteering. To learn how to get involved, please contact volunteers@secondharvestnwnc.org.

The Ardmore RAH is fast approaching!

Get ready to move for a great cause this fall! The annual Ardmore Run Against Hunger returns Saturday, October 17, bringing our community together to create greater access to nutritious food across Northwest NC.

Whether you're aiming for a personal best or bringing the whole family for a morning walk, every step helps provide food for neighbors facing food insecurity.

• Choose Your Distance: Sign up for the 1-Mile Fun Run, the 5K, or the 10K. Feeling ambitious? Join the Second Helping Club and tackle both the 5K and 10K!
• Race & Food Drive: Bring non-perishable food items to help stock the Second Harvest warehouse.
• 100% Local Impact: All net proceeds and food donations directly support the mission of Second Harvest Food Bank.
• Not interested in running? Volunteer!

Ready to run, walk, or cheer us on? Registration is open now—head over to the race page to sign up or join the event volunteer team!

You Make This Possible!

Volunteer Spotlight: Jonathan Espinoza

Pictured: Jonathan Espinoza (right)

Attorney General Jeff Jackson Visits Second Harvest!

A few weeks ago, we were grateful to welcome Attorney General Jeff Jackson to Second Harvest as we received a delivery of eggs secured through a settlement involving three of the nation’s largest egg producers.

Take a look back at a few moments from the visit and hear more about how this creative effort is helping put nutritious food on tables across Northwest North Carolina.

We’re proud to be part of a partnership that turns an unexpected opportunity into something meaningful for the communities we serve.

What’s The Teaching Garden Been Up To?

We’re celebrating the second year of the Fitzgerald Teaching Garden, and what a year it’s been. So far this year, we’ve already harvested more than 340 pounds of fresh produce and herbs!

In just the past few weeks, Beth Sarmiento, Second Harvest's Community Garden Manager, shared that the garden has produced an incredible variety of crops, including herbs, three different types of cucumbers, white scallop squash, snake squash, okra, little finger eggplants, nine varieties of peppers, and six varieties of tomatoes!

The garden isn’t just growing food—it’s supporting our local pollinators too. Monarch butterflies have made themselves at home among the milkweed!

We’re so grateful to everyone who helps make the garden grow. If you’re interested in volunteering in the garden, it is a great time to do so! Sign up online today!

October Plant & Seed Swap

Our fall seed & plant swap is happening on October 10 at Second Harvest's HQ from 9 AM - 11 AM!

This event is made possible through a partnership between Second Harvest Food Bank and Forsyth County NC Cooperative Extension. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, everyone is welcome. Let's come together to foster a thriving community of gardeners!

WXII Food Drive

Our next food drive is fast approaching. We'd love for you to join us Wednesday, September 16 at the Chick-fil-A in Wilkesboro! Having support to accept donations is always appreciated, but these food drives also present a unique opportunity to engage with our neighbors and hear their stories. All financial gifts will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to our partners at Cigna Healthcare.

Follow us on Facebook for event day updates!

Donate Your Vehicle!

We can’t think of a more fitting way to give new life to your car, truck, van, SUV, boat, motorcycle, ATV, RV, trailer, or airplane than by participating in Second Harvest’s vehicle donation program. 

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Here's How It Works:

​We partner with CARS to facilitate the vehicle donation process. To get started, visit Second Harvest's page on the CARS website, or call CARS toll-free at 855.500.7433. 

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC 3330 Shorefair Drive, WS | 336.784.5770 | SecondHarvestNWNC.org