November 22, 2000

The Miller Brewing Company and Second Harvest Food Banks in North Carolina have joined with government agencies and non-profit groups to develop the Fighting Hunger in North Carolina Web Site, www.fighthungernc.com which features the state's first on-line directory of hunger-relief agencies.

"The Fighting Hunger Web Site is a tool that merges technology with grassroots hunger-relief efforts," explained Cathy Wright, community affairs manager for Miller Brewing Company, which is the site underwriter. "While individual agencies are working hard at the grassroots level to overcome hunger, the site supplements that work and helps build a network that forms a unified front. The Web Site provides a centralized place for reliable, comprehensive information on the hunger issue. In order to solve the problem, we have to first build awareness and understanding about it throughout our North Carolina communities."

One of the key features of the site is an on-line directory of agencies that are involved in some aspect of hunger-relief. Site users can search the database by agency/organization name, city, county, zip code and/or program type, such as food pantry, soup kitchen, food bank, etc. Each agency listing includes contact person, address, phone and types of services provided. There are currently 1,500 programs included -- a figure that will grow as additional organizations learn about the site and submit their data.

"Having this information compiled in one location will be a real asset to those of us who work in the hunger-relief arena every day," explained Leigh Dudasik, director of programs and communications for MANNA Food Bank of Asheville. "It will enable anyone -- whether it's an executive director of a large food bank or a volunteer at a soup kitchen -- to access the same types of information. With that information comes the power to make positive change in our communities by collaborating with other agencies, increasing awareness of the issue, educating legislators or encouraging volunteerism."

In addition to the database, the site includes findings from a study on North Carolinians' attitudes about hunger. The study was funded by Miller Brewing Company and conducted by faculty at UNCG.

"There were several key trends that emerged from the study findings," explained Martha Taylor, Ph.D., lead researcher for the project at UNCG. "By analyzing these trends, we can better determine how to address the continuing problems of hunger. By sharing this information, we can help others understand how critical the issue continues to be."

The Fighting Hunger Web Site will help address some of the key issues identified in the study. For example, the study reveals that hunger-relief agencies report a serious shortage of volunteers. At the same time, survey respondents indicate they are unaware of how they can help address the problem. The Web Site provides a way to increase awareness about the need for volunteers to those who may be willing to help.