August 2026 Newsletter
- 14 hours ago
- 4 min read
empower. unify. sustain.
Stay informed as we share key updates on our recent initiatives, advocacy efforts, and the impact we're making throughout the community.
August 2026 GHPFA Newsletter
Welcome to this month's edition of The Root of the Matter! Each month, we come together to share the impact we’re making in the fight against food insecurity in our area. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a new subscriber, we’re grateful to have you as part of this mission.
Inside this issue, you'll find updates on the progress we're making together. From our latest advocacy efforts to upcoming events, there's plenty to explore about how your support is helping drive change in our community.
GHPFA Holds SNAP Simulation Event
On July 31st, GHPFA organized a SNAP Simulation event aimed at enhancing understanding of shopping with SNAP benefits. Participants navigated real-world grocery challenges to foster empathy for families relying on nutritional assistance. Each participant was given a scenario card outlining their family situation, including the number of family members, housing conditions, specific dietary needs, and the amount of SNAP benefits the family would receive. Participants were then challenged to buy a week's worth of groceries using their SNAP benefits and cash budget. All the food and groceries purchased were donated to Helping Hands, D-UP, and West End Ministries. After the shopping trip, participants gathered for a debrief session and reflected on ways to support SNAP recipients and individuals facing food insecurity in the community.
Funding for the food and materials was generously provided by the High Point Elks Lodge. High Point University offered their Center for Community Engagement (CCE) space for participants to convene and reflect on the experience. GHPFA thanks the Elks Lodge and HPU for their support of this initiative!
Paul Johnson covered the event for the High Point Enterprise. To read his article, click the button below!
SNAP Simulation participant Ivette Rodgrigez (Second Harvest Food Bank) grocery shops during the experience
Remaining funds from the SNAP Simulation were donated to local food pantry partners Helping Hands, D-UP, and West End Ministries
Community Food Security Survey Launches
Social media post for the Community Food Security Survey
High Point University's Survey Research Center, on behalf of the Greater High Point Food Alliance, is conducting a community survey to better understand food access, nutrition, and the challenges facing families in our area. These responses will help guide efforts to improve food resources for everyone in our community. This survey is aimed at residents living in the Greater High Point area, including zip codes 27260, 27262, 27263, 27265, 27282, and 27370 The survey is provided in both paper and digital format across five languages: English, Spanish, Urdu, Swahili and Arabic (paper copies only). For paper copies of the survey, please reach out to Lori Moore (lori.moore@ghpfa.org).
You can complete the survey online by clicking the button.
Food Pantry Operations Field Guide
Cover of the 2026 edition of the Pantry Operations Field Guide
We're excited to announce that the GHPFA Pantry Operations Field Guide will launch on the Food Alliance website this week. Created by Zaira Arfeen, our High Point University Food Justice AmeriCorps VISTA, this new resource serves as a roadmap for organizations seeking to establish, improve, or expand food pantry services. Drawing on best practices from across the food assistance sector, the guide offers actionable recommendations on pantry operations, volunteer engagement, inventory management, community partnerships, and sustainability. We hope this resource will empower partners across Greater High Point and beyond to strengthen their capacity to address food insecurity and serve their communities effectively.
High Point Community Gardens Contest
The annual High Point Community Garden Contest winners were honored on August 22 at the High Point Public Library, celebrating the dedication and impact of community gardens across the area. With prize support from the Greater High Point Food Alliance, winners received gift certificates to Soviero's Tri County Garden Center. D-UP Community Garden took first place, followed by Jamestown Presbyterian Church in second and West End Ministries' Bountiful Harvest Garden in third, while the Tiny House Community Garden earned recognition as Best New Garden. Congratulations to all the winners and heartfelt thanks to the volunteer judges who helped spotlight the important role these gardens play in building a healthier, more connected community.
Above: Winners of the High Point Community Garden contest
Below: Representative from D-UP (left) receiving the best overall community garden award from Mark Taylor (right)
Food Security Summit Registration Still Open
We still have some spots left for this year’s Food Security Summit, Cultivating Hope: Local Action, Lasting Impact, held Friday, September 18 from 8am-2:30pm. This year’s theme reflects a powerful message—that addressing food insecurity is more than just providing meals; it is collaboration, compassion, and a shared commitment to creating lasting, systemic change. Throughout the day, we will explore how each of us can cultivate hope by strengthening relationships with our community and the neighbors we serve, advocating for meaningful change, investing in and empowering our youth, and prioritizing wellness for both ourselves and community members that we serve. Together, these conversations will help us build stronger connections, foster resilience, and create a healthier, more food-secure community. We hope to see you there!
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