Wake County SHARE pilot expands after positive pilot data and private grant

Wake County Schools staff told the school board on June 18 that the SHARE (Stop Hunger and Restore Earth) pilot program will continue at all eight pilot schools and expand to 10 additional elementary and middle schools next school year after a private grant and county support.

The program’s early data and frontline feedback drove the decision. SHARE staff said volunteers and school teams recorded an average of about 41 donated food items per day per pilot school; extrapolated across a 180‑day year, that could represent more than 7,300 recoverable items per school. A private funder provided a grant to support rollout, and Wake County government’s solid waste team offered staff hours to help sustain the effort.

District staff presented examples from several pilot schools during public comment. At Millbrook Environmental Connections Magnet Elementary, Magnet Coordinator Randy Jones said staff recover surplus packaged items at the end of the day and redistribute them so unopened items are not wasted but “benefit our students.” Lincoln Heights’ representative said donated items in a front‑office fridge and pantry cart reach students who missed breakfast or later need a snack. Dillard Drive instructional assistant Wafaa (presented in the meeting as…