Back-to-School Labor of Love
"The lack of access to affordable and healthy foods is a growing concern for a number of our community members in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This issue is only exacerbated by rising food costs. The Muggsy Bogues Family Foundation’s Labor of Love events seek to increase access by providing nutritious foods at no cost to community residents and serving neighborhoods that are not in close proximity to full service grocery stores.” -- Angelique Gaines, Research Associate at UNC Charlotte Urban Institute and Board Member of the Muggsy Bogues Family Foundation
To support our work in the 28208 and 28214 zip codes, our first-ever Back-to-School Labor of Love was hosted at West Charlotte Church at Freedom on Toddville Road. We are pleased to say that we served 92 families – nearly 700 individuals – at this event. Additional food bags were provided to Care Ring and Freedom Communities to directly help their clients in need.
We are grateful for our strong partnership with Food Lion as we increase outreach in the community. “Finding ways to address hunger in the community is the spirit of Food Lion’s commitment. The work MBFF is doing in the community is important and admirable. We are grateful to play a small part in their mission to nourish our neighbors, including our children and their families, at the annual Back-to-School Labor of Love, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this effort will have on the towns and cities we serve.” -- Bill Scales, Director of Operations, Central Division, Rock Hill/Rockingham Region, Food Lion and Board Member of the Muggsy Bogues Family Foundation
Thank You To Our Partner Agencies
Besides the food families receive, the MBFF also arranges for workforce development providers, preventive health services, and other resources to be onsite to engage with participants. At our Back-to-School Labor of Love, these partners played a huge role in our success:
- Food Lion Human Resources and NCWorks: employment and training opportunities
- Charlotte Community Health Clinic: blood pressure checks, COVID tests and vaccines
- Wellcare: personal hygiene kits
- Freedom Communities: snack packs and personal hygiene products
- Care Ring: health education information
- Healthy Blue North Carolina: health education and Medicaid information
- The MJW Group: school supplies, snacks, and toys
- The Odd Sock: socks of all sizes for family members
- CGC Water Treatment: cases of drinking water
- E2D: two laptops won by food recipients
None of this work could be accomplished without financial assistance from our very generous program sponsors. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Thank You To Our Event Sponsors
