September 2026 Newsletter
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.
September 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.
September is Hunger Action month, and GHPFA has had a busy month addressing food insecurity in the greater High Point community. Inside this issue, you'll find updates on the progress we're making together. From our latest capacity building efforts to our annual Food Summit, there's plenty to explore about how your support is helping drive change in our community.
2026 Growing Towards Leadership Registration Open
The 2025 cohort of Growing Towards Leadership participants at their graduation ceremony
The Greater High Point Food Alliance (GHPFA) is pleased to announce the next cohort of the Growing Towards Leadership program, a leadership development series designed to strengthen the capacity, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability of local food providers and professionals working to address food insecurity. Participants will engage in interactive sessions covering a range of topics, including Organizational Assessment, Social Media & Communication, Succession Planning, Trauma-Informed Patron Relations, Civic Engagement, Advocacy, Board Development, Grant Writing, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
The program is free of charge and open to individuals serving organizations in both the Greater High Point and Greensboro areas. Sessions will be facilitated by Food Alliance staff and guest experts with experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and food systems work. Sessions will be held in person on Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Deep River Friends Meeting (5300 W. Wendover Ave., High Point, NC 27265), from October 1st through November 19th. Attendees will be asked to attend all of the sessions.
If you or a member of your staff, leadership team, or board are interested in participating, we encourage you to register using the link below.
Welcome New Americorps VISTA!
Incoming GHPFA Food Justice Americorps VISTA Aunna Randle El
Please join us in welcoming Aunna Randle El as the incoming High Point University AmeriCorps VISTA serving with the Greater High Point Food Alliance.
Here's a message from Aunna:
I am excited to bring my passion for service and community engagement to GHPFA! Having had the opportunity to serve in different capacities over the years, I am looking forward to taking that experience a step further over the next year by working alongside the GHPFA team and contributing to the important work happening in our community. I am grateful for the opportunity to be involved and excited to learn, connect, and serve in this new capacity!
2026 Food Security Summit: Cultivating Hope
Above: Crowd of attendees at the 2026 GHPFA Food Summit
Below: Food Summit attendees participating in the Cultivating Action breakout session on advocacy
On September 18, the Greater High Point Food Alliance hosted our annual Food Security Summit, with the theme of Cultivating Hope: Local Action, Lasting Impact. We brought together community members and partners to explore collaborative solutions to food insecurity. Centered on the idea that addressing food insecurity requires more than providing meals, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration, compassion, and a shared commitment to lasting, systemic change. Throughout the day, participants explored ways to strengthen relationships with neighbors and community partners, advocate for meaningful solutions, invest in and empower youth, and prioritize wellness for both those serving and those being served. Together, these conversations fostered new connections, built resilience, and reinforced a collective vision for a healthier, more food-secure community. Thank you to all who attended!
Left: 2026 Jerry Mingo Food Advocate Award Winner Michael Ruff receives his award,
Right: 2026 Rooted in Community Award Winner Representatives for the Community Resource Network receive their awards
High Point Food Pantry Capacity Support
Thanks to support from the City of High Point, GHPFA distributed more than $83,631 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding this August and September to 21 High Point food pantries in high-need areas. The funding included $55,000 for equipment and capacity-building purchases, such as refrigerators, freezers, shelving, rolling carts, and hand trucks, helping local pantries operate more efficiently and expand their ability to serve neighbors in need. The remaining $28,631 provided food support to pantries, including shelf stable foods as well as fresh meats and produce.
During the program period, these food pantry partners served more than 3600 members of our community, providing them with much needed food for individuals and families in need. Together, these investments are helping strengthen High Point's emergency food network and improve access to nutritious food across the community. Thank you to the City of High Point for the support and making this valuable capacity support possible!
Above: Gale Vitamvas (Northwood Community Center) purchases fresh meat for their food pantry
Below: Lori Moore (GHPFA) with Leola Bellazin (Greater First United Baptist Church) loading shelf stable foods
Kiwanis Club of High Point Funding Support
Rebekah Dobbins (Executive Director, GHPFA) accepts check from the Kiwanis Club of High Point on behalf of GHPFA
This month, the Kiwanis Club of High Point awarded funding to several local nonprofits to support youth programming, including the Greater High Point Food Alliance. We are deeply grateful to the Kiwanis Club for their $2,500 contribution, which will support our Food Security Fund. This fund provides small grants to innovative, community-driven projects that address hunger while creating lasting impact.
Over the years, the Food Security Fund has invested nearly $400,000 in community-driven efforts throughout Greater High Point. These investments are helping strengthen local food systems and expand access to nutritious food for all. We are grateful for partners like the Kiwanis Club of High Point who make this work possible.
Community Food Survey Continues
High Point University's Survey Research Center and GHPFA are still 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). You can complete the survey online by clicking the button.
If you are hosting an event or pop-up, we are happy to come out and talk about and distribute the survey. For paper copies, please reach out to Lori Moore (lori.moore@ghpfa.org).
Thank you for reading
brought to you by The Greater High Point Food Alliance!
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