Food insecurity in Jackson County is on the rise

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week runs from Nov. 16 to 22 this year. Here is what hunger looks like in Jackson County. Feeding America creates yearly reports on food insecurity. The 2025 data set covers the years 2019 to 2023. The report breaks down statistics by county, state and congressional district.  In Jackson County, approximately 7,430 people faced food insecurity […]

Food and toiletries drive collects goods for local pantries

The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning is hosting a food and toiletries drive through the end of November, just in time for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week that runs from Nov. 16 to Nov. 22.   With the holidays approaching, CCESL associate director Natalie Newman, who is overseeing the drive, says it is […]

Over 20% of children in Jackson County are food insecure

Originally published in The Western Carolinian. Food insecurity is a much larger problem than most people realize. It is more than simply having to budget at the grocery store or rationing food portions at home. People who are food insecure are unable to consistently access fresh and affordable food. Many factors such as the distance […]

JCPS tackles food insecurity in WNC

Originally published in The Western Carolinian. As another year of schooling starts, Jackson County Public Schools continues to fight its food insecurity among students. In 2019, Carolina Public Press reported that one in four children faces food insecurity in Western North Carolina. COVID-19 struck the U.S. the following year. Due to the United States Department of Agriculture’s ruling, […]

HOMEBASE providing for students despite COVID-19 challenges

This story was first published in The Western Carolinian. One local organization is working to provide for all WCU students who may find themselves without food, clothes, or the necessary support needed to graduate.  HOMEBASE, an outreach of Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, has been located in the small white building next to Cullowhee […]

HOMEBASE still offering services amongst COVID-19

During the COVID-19 crisis a lot of students working on or near campus lost their jobs. Leading to lower or no income for necessary expenses like rent, food and hygiene needs. The university is offering a student relief fund for students who need to pay for these expenses. Another resource including food, hygiene needs, and housing being […]