Addressing Food Insecurity: United Way and Iredell County Health Department launch IredellFood.org to Ensure Access to Local Food Resources

Iredell County, NC – Faced with an ongoing challenge that affects close to 20,000 Iredell County residents, the Iredell County Health Department and United Way of Iredell County are joining hands to combat food insecurity to ensure everyone has access to food and knows where to find local resources. The website IredellFood.org has been created to raise awareness of the growing concern, so our residents know where to receive and donate food.

Illustrating the level of economic hardship individuals facing food insecurity are experiencing, Jane Hinson, Health Director of the Iredell County Health Department said— “With rising living costs, economic disparities, and unforeseen crises, the issue of not having consistent access to enough food has become an alarming reality for many in Iredell County and across our region.”

“Recognizing the urgency of this matter, we need the help and support of community leaders, nonprofits, businesses, and concerned citizens to take up the mantle and make a difference”, says Nelson Granade, Pastor at First Baptist Church Statesville. Initiatives ranging from current needs of local pantries for food donations, area food drives, community gardens, and meal delivery services will be listed on IredellFood.org to bridge the gap of misinformation and to be a local repository on where to give or receive food in Iredell County. These initiatives are not only about providing immediate relief, but about fostering long-range impact in our local communities.

 “The goal and hope of IredellFood.org is an outpouring of support and involvement from community members. This will showcase the power of collective action and highlight the commitment to building stronger, more resilient neighborhoods and communities”, says Jody Taylor, Director of Marketing at the United Way of Iredell County. Jody goes onto say, “While these efforts are commendable, food insecurity requires sustained attention and broader support. It is a reminder that the well-being of our communities is intricately tied to ensuring that everyone has access to basic food necessities.”

To find out where you can donate needed items to local pantries or to receive food, go to www.IredellFood.org – the following list of food pantries and organizations need our assistance:

• Feednc
• Fifth Street Ministries
• Foodiversity
• Iredell Christian Ministries
• Iredell Coast Community Outreach Association
• Landmark Church of God
• Matthew 25 Ministries
• South Yadkin Baptist Association
• The Christian Mission
• The Salvation Army
• South River Baptist Church
• Yokefellow Ministries

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 Our Mission

The United Way of Iredell County improves our community and its people by uniting partners to meet local health and human service needs.

We must all do our part, working United, to make our communities the places that we need them to be – equitable, respectful, and opportunity-filled.

We, as a society, can and must do better to guarantee that the basic human rights and freedoms of every person in every community are protected.

Our Charge
United Way of Iredell County fights for the health, education, and financial   stability of every person in Iredell County.

www.UWIredell.org