Wake County Youth Take the Lead in Fight Against Hunger at Food Security Summit

Raleigh, NC – Wake County high school students will have the chance to be changemakers in the fight against hunger at the 5th Annual Youth Food Security Summit, hosted by Wake County Cooperative Extension. The free event takes place Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at John Chavis Memorial Park in Raleigh.

Empowering the Next Generation

The summit invites students in grades 9–12 to connect with peers, learn from community leaders, and participate in hands-on workshops. The goal is to give teens the tools and confidence to tackle food insecurity at the local level.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s decision makers, and this Annual Youth Food Security Summit helps them discover the power they have to shape a stronger, healthier community,” said Commissioner Vickie Adamson of the Wake County Board of Commissioners.

Real-World Impact

In addition to workshops, students will complete service projects and design their own community-based initiatives. Past participants have created neighborhood food pantries, led nutrition education programs, and organized volunteer projects.

Any Wake County high school student ages 14–18 is eligible to attend. Registration is free, but space is limited. Parents are encouraged to register their teens in advance.

A Call to Action During Hunger Action Month

The summit coincides with Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness and combat food insecurity. Wake County is collecting nonperishable food and household essentials at four libraries: Fuquay-Varina, North Regional, Southeast Regional, and Wake Forest. Donations will go directly to local families who rely on pantries for support.

For a full list of Hunger Action Month events, visit wake.gov/hunger-action-month.