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Make A Difference Food Pantry Celebrates 5 Years!

4.1 Million Meals Served & 6.8 Million Pounds of food distributed


About Us

In 2015, then-10-year-old Mackenzie "Kenzie" Hinson established the Make A Difference Food Pantry to fight hunger in North Carolina. The food pantry has since grown to include a fixed food distribution site; mobile feeding programs for the elderly and children; and outreach pantries to reach even more North Carolinians in need. Kenzie operates the food pantry with support from her parents and volunteers, as well as generous donations from individuals and organizations.

"We are stopping hunger one meal, one family at a time by providing nutritious food to those in need with compassion and love - because it's more than just food; it's about how you make people feel!"

Recent Updates

Advocacy in Washington, DC: Kenzie attended the National Anti-Hunger Conference Policy Conference; visited with FEMA Administrator Brock Long to discuss the role of youth in disaster preparedness and to provide an update on Hurricane Matthew recovery; and met with Senator Richard Burr, Senator Thom Tillis, and Representative David Rouser to identify ways to address hunger in North Carolina, especially amongst children.

Kenzie with Senator Richard Burr and Senator Thom Tillis

Hurricane Harvey Relief: The Make A Difference Food Pantry worked with citizens across Wayne County to collect food and toiletry donations for Hurricane Harvey disaster survivors.  The Hinson Family and supporter Kevin Grenier drove the mobile feeding truck (donated by S.T. Wooten) over 20 hours to Wharton, Texas, to deliver the donations to the "Just Do It Now" Community Center, which feeds children, seniors, and the community, in addition to offering tutoring, mentoring, and sports. 

Kenzie and Charlotte Dorsey (Director of the JDIN Community Center in Wharton, Texas)

Mobile Feeding Truck: Thanks to the generosity of S.T. Wooten (F250 truck donation), Enterprise of Wilson ($1,000 donation), and Lifestyle Limousine Services ($2,000 donation), we now have a truck to help keep even more members of our community from going hungry. Thanks to the Mar Mac Fire Department for helping to transport the trailer!

On the road to stop hunger!

On the road to stop hunger!

Youth Volunteerism Recognition: Governor Roy Cooper declared April 21-24 as "Make A Difference Youth Volunteer Week" and appointed Kenzie as North Carolina's Spokeskid for Volunteerism.

Location

Make a Difference Food Pantry
922 North Breazeal Ave
Mount Olive, NC 28365
(919) 330-8202

Upcoming Events

    • Ongoing Opportunities: Consider volunteering at the pantry, making a financial donation, or dropping off non-perishable food donations at the pantry or at the Dollar General of Grantham collection point.

Programs

      • Senior Citizen Mobile Pantry: We deliver fresh produce, non-perishables, and a monthly hot meal to senior citizens residing at Johnston Place, Johnston Court, and North Point of Mount Olive.

      • Backpack Buddy Program: We provide students with six meals and two snacks every Friday to ensure they have food over the weekend.

      • Holidays/Afterschool Program: We provide lunches to 250 children when schools are closed for holidays, as well as snacks for multiple afterschool programs and school emergency food pantries.

      • Summer Feed Program: To date, we have provided over 8,000 meals through Kenzie’s Kids Café to keep kids from going hungry during the summer break.

      • MAD Kloset: We provide children's clothing and professional interview attire for adults through the MAD Kloset's Rabbit Hole and Upward Climb Clothing Rooms.

    • Disaster Feeding Operations: We provided emergency feeding for first responders and volunteers after Hurricane Matthew, and collected donations for survivors of the Gatlinburg wildfires and Hurricane Harvey.