Wake County officials announced on March 11 that local organizations have partnered to address child hunger and food waste through the Stop Hunger and Restore Earth Program (SHARE). The initiative, led by Toward Zero Waste in collaboration with Wake County Public School System, NC Cooperative Extension – Wake County Center, and Wake County Government, is seeking community support to expand its reach.
The SHARE program began in spring 2025 with funding from the Lonnie and Carol Poole Family Foundation. It enables students to donate approved, unopened food items they do not want, which are then redistributed as snacks during the school day instead of being discarded. Since its launch at eight pilot schools, SHARE has expanded to 27 schools over the past year. More than 45 additional schools in Wake County have shown interest in joining.
“Students are more likely to excel in their classes and extracurricular activities when they don’t have to worry about empty stomachs,” said Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters. “SHARE is an excellent program for teaching future generations the importance of being environmentally responsible and generous toward their peers.”
Community members interested in learning more about SHARE can visit the Toward Zero Waste website or watch an informational video online. Those wishing to donate or volunteer may contact Megan Holler, director of Food Recovery and Compost at Toward Zero Waste.
Toward Zero Waste is a nonprofit organization focused on encouraging waste-conscious living across North Carolina through education and action.
