(GDN)-Food insecurity is an ever-present issue which continues to affect households in our community. People in Wayne County struggling with hunger rose to over 20,000 people during the pandemic. United Way of Wayne County is hoping to lower that number with a reprise of their Fill the Theater Food Drive held this spring.

Despite increased needs and operational challenges, local organizations continue to serve meals or provide food boxes to affected individuals and families. “With this year’s food drive, we hope to replenish supplies of our local pantries that was depleted during the holidays, and we are rolling out the red carpet to individuals, businesses and civic groups to help make this happen,” said Pilar Parks, Community Investment and Engagement Director at United Way of Wayne County.

The food drive will be held at the Paramount Theatre on March 22nd and 23rd from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. “United Way of Wayne County is grateful for the continued partnership with the City of Goldsboro and the Paramount Theatre Foundation to serve as the host site of this much-needed food drive”, said Sherry Archibald, Executive Director at United Way of Wayne County. The nonperishable food and paper products will be donated to local nonprofits including: The Salvation Army, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Wayne Pregnancy Center, H.G.D.C. Community Crisis Center, Wayne Uplift, Hydrant Church, Pete Norris Ministries, and the Community Soup Kitchen.

United Way of Wayne County is encouraging donors to “upstage” other donors and reserve as many seats as they can fill. Drop-off donors are welcome. Volunteers will be wearing masks and complying with social distancing procedures.

For a full list of needed items, visit unitedwayne.org.