Beyond Job Training: Goodwill Tackles Food Insecurity in Eastern North Carolina

Raleigh, NC – Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina (GIENC) is evolving beyond its traditional role as a job training and placement organization to become a vital direct provider of food assistance in a region grappling with rising economic pressures and food insecurity. Facing stark statistics – with food insecurity rates ranging from 9.7% in Wake County to a high of 16.8% in Northampton County – GIENC is expanding its reach and deepening its commitment to serving the needs of vulnerable populations.

For decades, Goodwill has been synonymous with second chances through workforce development. However, recognizing the fundamental link between basic needs and the ability to participate in job training, GIENC is strategically addressing food insecurity as a prerequisite for economic empowerment. This holistic approach, combining employment services with direct food assistance, represents a significant shift in the organization's mission and a recognition of the systemic barriers faced by individuals and families in eastern North Carolina.

“We realized that asking someone to focus on job training when they don’t know where their next meal is coming from is unrealistic,” explains a GIENC program director. “We had to address the immediate need for food to create a foundation for long-term success.”

Expanding Beyond Job Training: A Growing Need

The organization’s response has been multifaceted. GIENC’s “Round Up” program, launched several years ago, allows customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with 100% of the proceeds going to food assistance programs. In 2024 alone, the program generated $500,000, directly supporting the distribution of over 70,000 pounds of food and 4,700 food boxes. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to leveraging the organization’s existing network and customer base to generate resources for direct aid.

However, the organization’s commitment extends beyond fundraising. GIENC is actively partnering with local organizations to enhance its reach and impact. Collaborations with Celebration Church, the Richland Township Chamber of Commerce, UNC Health, and the Washington Chamber of Commerce have been instrumental in coordinating logistics, providing volunteer support, promoting food distribution efforts, and offering health and nutrition education.

“These partnerships are critical,” notes a community outreach coordinator. “We can’t do this work alone. Collaborating with other organizations allows us to leverage each other’s strengths and resources to reach more people in need.”

Addressing Food Deserts: The Aurora Community Cupboard

Looking ahead, GIENC is taking a proactive approach to addressing the issue of food deserts in rural communities. The organization is planning to launch the Aurora Community Cupboard in 2026, a pay-what-you-can market designed to improve food access for low-income residents in Beaufort County. Aurora, classified as a food desert, faces limited access to fresh, affordable produce, and a high poverty rate of 25.3%.

The pay-what-you-can model aims to create a dignified and sustainable solution to food insecurity, empowering individuals to choose what they need and contribute what they can. The project reflects a long-term commitment to addressing systemic barriers to food access and promoting community empowerment.

“We believe that everyone deserves access to healthy, affordable food,” emphasizes a GIENC spokesperson. “The Aurora Community Cupboard is a testament to our commitment to creating a more equitable and just food system.”

The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the community, providing a vital source of fresh produce and reducing food insecurity among vulnerable populations.

A Broader Trend: Nonprofits Stepping Up

GIENC’s expanded role in addressing food insecurity is part of a broader trend among nonprofits to step up and fill the gaps in the social safety net. As economic pressures mount and the cost of living continues to rise, more and more individuals and families are struggling to afford basic necessities, including food.

The demand for food assistance has surged in recent years, straining the capacity of food banks and other nonprofit organizations. Private donations and community support are playing an increasingly critical role in bridging the gap and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to the food they need.

“Nonprofits are often the first responders in times of crisis,” explains a local community advocate. “They are uniquely positioned to understand the needs of their communities and provide targeted assistance.”

Looking Ahead: A Holistic Approach to Community Empowerment

GIENC’s evolution beyond job training is a testament to the organization’s commitment to holistic community empowerment. By addressing the fundamental link between basic needs and economic opportunity, GIENC is creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for vulnerable populations in eastern North Carolina.

The organization’s expanded role in addressing food insecurity is a vital investment in the future of the region, creating a more equitable and just society for all. As economic pressures continue to mount, the need for innovative and collaborative solutions will only grow, and organizations like GIENC will play a critical role in bridging the gap and ensuring that no one is left behind.

“We’re not just providing food,” concludes a GIENC program director. “We’re building a stronger, more resilient community.”