NBC's TODAY devotes four hours to food drive to help hungry families

The COVID-19 threat and job losses associated with economic slowdowns have contributed to a food insecurity crisis among many families in North Carolina as well as across the country.

NBC Today show co-anchor Al Roker says it’s bad enough that many families face the stress of not knowing where their next meal may be coming from for the past nine months. "As we go into the holidays, there’s no more desperate time for a family," Roker said.

"TODAY" plans to devote four hours highlighting what places like the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina are doing to meet the needs of hungry families.

In a typical year, the Food Bank’s Jennifer Whichard says, weather disasters like hurricanes in isolated areas of the state cause demand for extended food relief efforts. She said, "What has been unique about this crisis, really, is that it’s impacting everyone across the board."

The Food Bank warehouse in Raleigh helps to supply 34 counties in North Carolina, from the Triangle to the coast.

Ned Godwin with Shiloh Christian Church in Johnston County comes for regular van loads of food. "We’re serving the neighborhood around the church and abroad," said Godwin.

Whichard says the Food Bank partners with state, federal and local organizations to stretch every dollar to feed those in need.

Roker said 50 million Americans live with food insecurity on a daily basis. "17 million of those are kids," he added.

He says their broadcast this particular morning is meant as a wake-up call to action.

"You are going to see people all across America helping Americans try to feed Americans. And if you want to help, we’re going to show you how you can give of yourself , give of your time, give of your food, give of your money. We’re going to help you help America," said Roker.

Some of our partners across the viewing area are accepting food donations, including: