Second Harvest Urges Local Support as Demand Soars Before Thanksgiving

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina warned residents in early November that its networks are under exceptional strain as demand for food assistance climbed sharply ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. WXII reported on November 11, 2025 that the organization served more than 88,500 unique individuals in October, a caseload that has stretched available supplies, staffing, and volunteer capacity across Guilford County and surrounding counties.

The surge reflects a confluence of seasonal need along with ongoing economic pressures experienced by families and individuals. Second Harvest leaders cited higher usage and uncertainty in federal program support as factors complicating planning and distribution. Those operational pressures have made routine replenishment of food pantries more difficult and have increased reliance on immediate community donations and volunteer time to prevent service interruptions.

To meet the shortfall, Second Harvest outlined multiple ways residents can help, including organizing local food drives, making monetary donations, and signing up for volunteer shifts. The organization and local partners also coordinated drop off locations and fundraising events across the region to collect food and funds for holiday distributions. For many households, these community based efforts are the difference between having a full holiday meal and going without.

The public health implications of rising food insecurity are broad. Household food scarcity undermines nutritional quality, complicates management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, and places additional stress on mental health. For Guilford County health providers and social services the pressure is twofold, as clients need both immediate food support and sustained access to nutrition resources to maintain health outcomes over time.

The strain on the food bank network also highlights broader policy questions. Stability and predictability in federal nutrition programs matter to local distribution planning, and gaps or uncertainty at higher levels of funding and program design ripple down to community partners. Local governments, health systems, and philanthropic organizations are being asked to coordinate more closely to shore up access for the most vulnerable residents, including seniors, children, and workers with low incomes who have limited safety net reserves.

Equity concerns are central to the response. Communities already facing economic and racial disparities are often hit first and hardest when food systems are stressed. Ensuring that donations and volunteer efforts reach neighborhoods with the greatest need requires intentional outreach and partnership with community based organizations.

With Thanksgiving approaching, Second Harvest and local partners are appealing to residents to contribute whatever they can and to consider volunteering time to support distributions. Those seeking ways to help or in need of assistance are encouraged to consult Second Harvest and local media resources for details on drop off sites, volunteer sign up, and upcoming fundraising events.