ECCCM Hunger Prevention Programs

ECCCM works tirelessly to alleviate food insecurity and hunger issues in our community. 18% of Catawba County families experience food insecurity, ECCCM hunger programs are tailored to meet hunger needs through several programs. All hunger programs renew on a six-month cycle.

• The Hunger Prevention Program: provides essential commodities with quantities dependent on family size. Basic staples that include vegetables, starches, proteins, meats, dairy, bread, and produce, are distributed to qualifying applicants on a monthly basis.
• The Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program: provides supplemental staple commodities with quantities dependent on family size. This program often supplements those families on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through the Department of Social Services, and is distributed on a quarterly basis. Fresh bread, dairy and produce are also distributed on a monthly basis.
• The Student Hunger Prevention Program for student families: provides supplemental staple commodities with quantities dependent on family size. Fresh bread, dairy and produce are also distributed on a monthly basis. Distribution is for a twelve month cycle that coincides with the school calendar, providing essential commodities even during the summer months. This program includes all Catawba County, Hickory Public, and Newton-Conover City Schools grades K-12 for a 12-month cycle.

did you know?

• That food insecurity is a major issue in Catawba County, affecting 1 in 5 families.

• ECCCM’s Charlie Bunn Food Pantry moved over 1.7 million pounds of food through its food pantry in 2022.

• $1 donated can equal over 7 pounds that can feed two persons for one day.

How Can You Help?

• Contribute to ECCCM’s Hunger Programs: Through your financial donation, ECCCM is able to purchase needed commodities for our hunger programs at a fraction of the cost available at the grocery store. This allows ECCCM to practice good stewardship as purchases are strategically planned at attractive price points from our vendors.
• Organize a Food Drive: at your local church, school or civic organization. We recognize the value of hands-on mission work as persons actually purchase and bring food to an organized food drive event.