Challenge offers cash for solution to childhood hunger

The United Way is asking the public to find a solution to childhood hunger in the Triangle – and they're willing to pay for it.

United Way of the Greater Triangle announced a new competition that will give $50,000 for the most effective, innovative and long-term solution to childhood hunger. The challenge, called "The Innovate United Challenge – 100,000 Kids Hungry No More," is open to individuals, businesses and nonprofits in Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties.

The initiative is about bringing the community together to create solutions that will have a lasting impact on the nearly 100,000 children in the Triangle who qualify for free and reduced lunch or whose families often can't provide food on a regular basis, said Mack Koonce, United Way of the Greater Triangle CEO an president.

"The spirit of innovation can change lives by developing, implementing, and scaling high-impact ideas to address to combat childhood hunger," he said.