North Carolina School of Science and Math students organize food drive to help feed families in need

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — It’s the season of giving, and students from the North Carolina School of Science and Math (NCSSM) are stepping up to make a difference.

On Saturday morning, they hosted a food drive on campus to support the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, with plans to continue the effort on Sunday.

“People can come by, drop off food, whatever they need to do. We have bins here,” said Jay Weaver, who is a NCSSM senior and one of the organizers. “100% of all the money goes straight to the food bank.”

Weaver noted that NCSSM has a strong history of community service. In 2011, the school set the Guinness World Record for the largest food drive in 24 hours.

“Since then, we haven’t really gone for the record, but we just want to show the community that the need has only gone up,” Weaver said. “More and more people are relying on food banks.”

According to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, one in seven people in the region faces food insecurity. This has inspired neighbors to support the student-led initiative

“It’s just really nice to see the kids getting involved in their community and giving back,” said Marian Fragola, who lives across from NCSSM.

Grace Roberts, another senior volunteer, emphasized the importance of the drive.

“At this time of the year, around the holidays, it’s really important for families to have food and feel safe,” she said.

In addition to food donations, the students are accepting online contributions. Every dollar donated can provide five meals for families in need. To contribute, visit this link.

The food drive will continue Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at NCSSM Durham, located at 1219 Broad Street.