YMCA's Anna Morgan Awarded Anti-Hunger All-Star Certificate
Anna Morgan, food services specialist for the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina, has been awarded YMCA of the USA's Anti-Hunger All-Star Certificate for her significant contributions to the Y's food services programs, including the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which made a huge impact on families in rural areas this past summer.
The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina's rural non-congregate feeding program, part of SFSP, provides children with balanced, nutritious meals during the summer months when school is out and access to traditional congregate meal sites is limited. Initiated by Director of Food Services Amy Hobbs and Morgan, the YMCA identified several key rural locations to distribute meal boxes: one in Brunswick County (Shallotte), three in Pender County (Watha, Burgaw, and Rocky Point), and one in Sampson County (Clinton).
Morgan began her journey with the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina in early 2021 as a member of the athletics department, later transitioning to food services in 2023. When asked about her motivation for this change, Morgan said, “I wanted to be able to make a difference. I saw a need, and I knew I was capable of filling that need.” Morgan faced numerous challenges, such as limited staff and inventory, which led to rushed shipments of 3,000 boxes throughout the summer. “Despite our exhaustion and zero breaks, knowing the impact our team had on the community made it all worth it,” Morgan said.
Morgan was nominated as one of 30 nationwide nominees for the Anti-Hunger All-Star Certificate by Hobbs, who also received the recognition in previous years. Hobbs emphasized the honor of the award, noting, “I couldn’t have done this summer without Anna and my intern. My goal since coming to the Y has been to reach people outside of our walls. This summer, we did that, and it was amazing.” The program opened the public’s eyes to the potential of anti-hunger work. Hobbs nominated Morgan for her tirelessness, passion, and commitment to the program's success.
The summer’s success also relied on partnerships with surrounding and local businesses. The YMCA repurposed leftover single-packaged items from share tables to stock the food pantry at Camp United Methodist Church, effectively eliminating food waste. The church hosted Friday night community feedings, allowing families to enjoy meals after receiving boxes from the YMCA. Additionally, the YMCA collaborated with Feast Down East to source produce from surrounding counties, while also procuring fresh watermelons from a farmer in Clinton.
Looking ahead, the future of food distribution at the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina is one of expansion. The YMCA's new warehouse space located in downtown Wilmington played a crucial role in this summer's success. Goals for the future include creating monthly food distributions in food deserts, acquiring partnerships for food and financial donations, and eventually establishing a food pantry.
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