To address hunger and nutrition education, Chrissy Barbrey from the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in Halifax County has partnered with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC. While EFNEP has worked with the food bank before, this is their first collaboration in Halifax County. Each month, instead of waiting in line for food, clients are invited inside for an EFNEP class. Participants not only receive food but also gain nutrition knowledge and hands-on cooking experience.

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Each lesson features an EFNEP recipe using ingredients from that day's food bank distribution, helping clients make the most of what they receive. The same participants return monthly, eager to continue their journey toward healthier eating. This ongoing engagement highlights the program’s lasting impact, as clients build skills to make better choices for themselves and their families. A key feature is convenience: after the class, clients’ food is delivered directly to their cars, making the process easy and stress-free. This approach not only promotes healthier choices but also strengthens community connections, proving that small changes can make a big difference for families in need.

-Lauren Morris, Regional Nutrition Extension Associate