Elizabeth City, N.C. – Across the nation, food insecurity is a growing challenge for college students, with many forced to choose between paying for meals and other essential expenses. At Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), the Viking spirit turned that challenge into action—earning the university $ 5,000 as a Sector Hunger Champion in the 2024 NC Collegiate Hunger Challenge. This award, presented Feb. 12 at the NC Campus Engagement’s annual Pathways to Achieving Civic Engagement Conference, will support the Viking Cares Food Pantry, ensuring that more ECSU students have access to the nourishment they need to succeed.
The NC Collegiate Hunger Challenge, a partnership between Food Lion Feeds and North Carolina Campus Engagement, united 14 North Carolina colleges and universities in a mission to fight food insecurity. With student ambassadors, faculty and community supporters, ECSU rose to the occasion, hosting food drives, awareness campaigns, and mobilizing efforts to combat hunger on campus.
“We are incredibly proud of our Vikings and community members for coming together to tackle the hunger challenge,” said Nyla Phillips, Hunger Challenge Ambassador and Criminal Justice Major. “This achievement highlights our collective commitment to making a real difference in the fight against hunger.”
Since reopening in 2021, the Viking Cares Food Pantry has been a vital resource for students facing food insecurity. While the community’s support has been invaluable, the heart of this initiative lies in the dedication of ECSU’s student ambassadors and staff, who worked to bring this issue to the forefront.
“There has been incredible support from the broader community, but the efforts of student ambassadors and the ECSU staff pushing this need to the forefront is invaluable,” said Nichole Lewis, Assistant Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students. “The prize money will have a significant impact moving forward.”
Strong team effort—with students, faculty and local supporters coming together to make a difference—powered the success of this initiative.
“There are way too many to name, but a huge thank you to everyone who helped the ECSU food pantry win,” said Lyteshia H. Riddick, Assistant Dean of Communal Engagement. “Whether it was lending us the space for our events, showing up to support, ordering food, providing transportation, bringing in multiple donations, collaborating or any other role – thank you so much!”
Since 2019, the NC Collegiate Hunger Challenge has awarded more than $160,000, providing the equivalent of 1.6 million meals to college students in need. Food Lion Feeds remains committed to the fight, with a pledge to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025.
A statement from Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds, who was also in attendance, further solidifies the appreciation and necessity of the award.
“This award will directly support the Viking Cares Food Pantry, helping us expand our efforts to combat food insecurity and provide vital resources for ECSU students. We are deeply grateful to NC Campus Engagement for this opportunity and to everyone in our ECSU community who has contributed to this important initiative. At ECSU, we are not just preparing students for success in the classroom—we are ensuring they have the support they need to succeed in life. Thank you to our Viking family for demonstrating the power of compassion and action. Together, we will continue to uplift one another and build a stronger, more resilient community,” said Edmonds.
With this latest win, ECSU has proven that when Vikings come together, change happens. The fight against hunger isn’t just about food—it’s about ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. ECSU continues to work and transform lives, one meal at a time.