October 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.
October 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 capacity building series to community events, there's plenty to explore about how your support is helping drive change in our community.
Growing Towards Leadership Classes
Above: Rebekah Dobbins presenting on Succession Planning
Below: Growing Towards Leadership participants listen to presentation
GHPFA is pleased to welcome our fifth 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. This year we have nine participants from various programs and backgrounds: food pantries, urban agriculture organizations, and Americorps VISTA members. In the 5 weeks of the 8-week program so far, participants have learned about Social Media & Communication, Succession Planning, Storytelling with Data, Civic Engagement, Organizational Assessment, Financial Integrity, and Trauma-Informed Patron Relations. Our cohort is set to graduate on November 19th.
GHPFA expresses a deep appreciation for Blue Cross Blue Shield for funding the project, and Deep River Friends Meeting for allowing use of their space.
Savor High Point Fundraising Support
GHPFA Executive Director, Rebekah Dobbins, receiving check from Savor High Point
On August 29, Visit High Point hosted their Savor High Point food truck festival and generously donated a portion of each ticket sale to the Greater High Point Food Alliance. We are deeply grateful to Visit High Point for their $1,000 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 Visit High Point who make this work possible.
GHPFA Staff & Board Attend Community Events
Throughout October, GHPFA staff connected with community members at several local events, sharing information about our programs and learning more about the needs and experiences of residents across High Point.
On October 11, our Executive Director, Rebekah Dobbins, attended the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church Service Expo, where she spoke with attendees about GHPFA's work, including the Food Security Fund and our ongoing Community Food Survey. Later that day, Rebekah and our new AmeriCorps VISTA, Aunna, participated in High Point Kidsfest, engaging children and families in conversations about healthy eating through a fun, interactive activity.
On October 24, Rebekah and Aunna joined Kelvin Shouse, GHPFA Board Vice-Chair, and Zipporah Evans, incoming lead of GHPFA's Food Education Working Team, at the 16th Annual Unity Festival. Throughout the day, they encouraged attendees to complete the Community Food Survey, resulting in more than 60 completed surveys and two gift card raffle winners.
These events provide valuable opportunities to build relationships, hear directly from community members, and strengthen our collective efforts to advance food security in Greater High Point. We are grateful to everyone who stopped by to connect with us and those who support this important work.
GHPFA's table at the Wesley Memorial Service Expo
GHPFA VISTA Aunna engages KidsFest attendees with activity
From left to right: Terrell Williams (Burns Hill Neighborhood Association), Jakki Davis (D-UP), Rebekah Dobbins (GHPFA), and Kelvin Shouse (Burns Hill Neighborhood, Vice-Chair GHPFA Board) at the GHPFA Unity Festival table
In-Person High Point Food Pantry Check In
On October 26, GHPFA hosted its in-person Food Pantry Check-In meeting, bringing together food pantry partners from across the greater High Point area. Held monthly and alternating between virtual and in-person formats, these meetings provide an opportunity for pantries to share emerging needs, discuss challenges, highlight upcoming events, and exchange ideas with peers. The meetings also help GHPFA stay informed about local food access needs and community initiatives.
This month, 15 attendees representing 13 organizations joined the conversation. We extend our sincere thanks to Macedonia Family Resource Center for generously providing the meeting space and to all who participated.
Above: John Mays (Helping Hands) and Louise Barnes (Ward St. Community Resources)
Below: Pantry and nonprofit representatives attending the meeting
Ongoing Community Food Survey
Community Food Survey flyers at the High Point Unity Festival
GHPFA is approximately one third of our way to our goal of 1,000 responses for the Community Food Survey. The Community Food Survey is a collaboration between High Point University's Survey Research Center and GHPFA 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 below. Complete our survey for a chance to win a $25, $50, or $100 Food Lion giftcard!
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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