North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has five food pantries. Its community garden teaches people how to grow food. College students in North Carolina are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (sometimes called food stamps) benefits.
From Sept. 8 – Dec. 18, students Jordan White and Zorah Bynum shared that information and more. They also solicited food and money donations.
As a result of their efforts, NCCU was named the Sector Hunger Champion for Public Campuses in the NC Collegiate Hunger Challenge.
Fourteen higher education institutions competed in fall 2025 in a competition organized by North Carolina Campus Engagement, a network of colleges and universities that aims to educate students for civic and social responsibility.
White and Bynum held 11 events, frequently partnering with other campus entities.
- On Sept. 8, they set up a table at a Counseling Center event, gave out items and told attendees about food insecurity.
- During the week of The Ultimate Homecoming Experience, they partnered with the Campus Pantry on a pumpkin painting event, where White spoke about hunger awareness.
- Bynum hosted a Food and Faith panel with three community members.
- During a Nov. 14 NCCU football game, they collected more than 600 food items plus money donations.
“Hunger is an issue in general,” said Bynum. “It is everywhere, including on our campus.”
Bynum and White were advised by Sujaya Devarayasamudram, Ph.D., associate professor of nursing. Calleen Herbert, director of community engagement and service, also oversaw the effort.
The two students were also recognized for their use of social media and the most innovative event. For the latter, the two partnered with the department of hospitality and tourism administration, where they conducted a demonstration on how to prepare basic foods for Thanksgiving.
Being named Sector Hunger Champion comes with a $5,000 prize. The two plan to donate the money to a campus effort aimed at alleviating hunger.