When communities come together, real impact happens.
That’s the idea behind MeaningFULL Meals—a partnership between United Way of Greater Greensboro and BackPack Beginnings to help ensure children have access to food during the summer months, when school meals are no longer available.
Across Greensboro, this community food drive is helping address food insecurity at a critical time of year.
And sometimes, it starts with just one neighbor deciding to take action.
How It Started
“It really started with a simple thought—what if our neighborhood could help?”
Back in 2020, during the height of COVID, Cathy Flannery discovered MeaningFULL Meals through the Volunteer Center and decided to try something small—a neighborhood food drive in New Irving Park.
She called her friend and neighbor, Anne Givan, and together they got to work.
“We didn’t overthink it—we printed a few posters, texted some friends, put a bin in front of my house, and hoped for the best.”
By the end of that first drive, they had collected more than 2,000 pounds of food.
“That part surprised us—but honestly, what really stuck was how it brought people together.”
What Made It Work
Over time, Cathy and her neighbors learned what makes a difference:
- People are more likely to give when it feels close to home
- Small, consistent updates keep people engaged
- A little community pride goes a long way
“And we’ve definitely learned as we’ve gone,” Cathy said.
“Like… you can’t put flyers in mailboxes without postage. That was a quick lesson.”
But the biggest takeaway?
👉 When one person steps up, others follow.
Why This Work Matters Right Now
The need hasn’t gone away—in many ways, it’s grown.
BackPack Beginnings, a key partner in this effort, is facing significant funding challenges, increasing pressure on the safety net families rely on.
At the same time, summer remains one of the hardest times for families experiencing food insecurity in Greensboro.
That’s why MeaningFULL Meals matters—
because it helps bridge the gap when children need it most.
What This Shows Us
Cathy didn’t set out to start something big.
“We just wanted to do something helpful.”
But what she created shows what’s possible when individuals rally others around a shared goal.
That’s the broader vision behind MeaningFULL Meals—
neighbors leading, communities responding, and solutions growing from the ground up.
Where This Can Go
Cathy has always seen this effort as something bigger.
“What started in one neighborhood doesn’t have to stay there,” she said.
“I’ve always thought—what if more neighborhoods got involved?”
She imagines a future where communities across Greensboro lead their own drives—each contributing in their own way.
“Maybe there’s a little friendly competition… maybe even a trophy and some bragging rights,” she laughed.
“But it’s not really about winning—it’s about getting more people involved.”
That’s the opportunity behind MeaningFULL Meals—
growing something neighbor by neighbor, across our community.
How You Can Help Feed Children Next Summer (May 1 Through May 31)
There’s still time to make a difference.
MeaningFULL Meals may be over but, you can:
- Donate or Volunteer with United Way of Greater Greensboro and BackPack Beginnings
- Be on the look out for opportunities coming all year long!
These donations help provide food to children and families during the summer, when access to school meals is limited.
“It really does add up,” Cathy shared. “Every little bit helps more than people think.”
👉 Join us next year and help ensure children in our community have the food they need this summer.
The Bigger Picture
MeaningFULL Meals is about more than a food drive.
It’s about neighbors showing up for one another.
It’s about small actions adding up to real impact.
And it’s about creating a stronger, more connected Greensboro.
Because when communities lead, real change follows.