Everyday Heroes

To some, fighting hunger is on par with being a superhero. That’s why Raleigh’s Inter-Faith Food Shuttle wants to show its appreciation to its valiant patrons with a new program called LEGION365, which the non-profit launched in July. To become a member of the legion, you must donate $30 a month, or $365 a year, or more. That’s just a dollar a day at the minimum to support the Food Shuttle’s mission to reduce hunger in the seven-county service area it covers. LEGION365 members also receive a variety of special perks for their efforts, including ticket discounts, early event invitations and deals at restaurants like Happy + Hale, Mandolin, Bad Daddy’s, Lilly’s Pizza and more with a personal membership card that’s sent to patrons after they donate.

“We really wanted to honor and give incentives to folks who were giving us recurring donations, who we could rely on to give support,” says Katie Murray, the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s development relations manager.

With the LEGION365, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle aims to recruit supporters for its year-round programming, which works toward hunger relief through programs like BackPack Buddies, mobile markets and school pantries, and by partnering with more than 80 local agencies. Additionally, any donation you give qualifies you for the Food Shuttle’s group of Hunger Fighters and earns you a bumper sticker. Super superheros—those who contribute $5,000 or more—are honored in the Food Shuttle’s Hunger Fighter Hall, to thank them for going above and beyond in their support of the Food Shuttle’s services to the community.

“The food shuttle is a really unique food bank,” Murray says. “We have so many wonderful programs that help people break the cycle of poverty. I think that people are excited to support that and see us grow and expand our impact.”