Anna Morgan, food services specialist for the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina, has been awarded YMCA of the USA's Anti-Hunger All-Star Certificate for "her significant contributions to the Y's food services programs," according to a news release.

The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina's rural non-congregate feeding program, part of the Summer Food Service Program, provides children with balanced, nutritious meals during the summer months when school is out and access to traditional congregate meal sites is limited, according to the release. Initiated by Director of Food Services Amy Hobbs and Morgan, the YMCA identified several key rural locations to distribute meal boxes: one in Brunswick County (Shallotte), three in Pender County (Watha, Burgaw and Rocky Point), and one in Sampson County (Clinton).

The program initially aimed to serve 35 children per site on the first day of distribution, the release stated. As the summer progressed, demand increased significantly, with sites averaging the distribution of 125 or more boxes to families in need each week. In total, the YMCA distributed 27,243 breakfasts and 27,243 lunches, equating to roughly 365,383 pounds of food.

Morgan started working at the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina in early 2021 as a member of the athletics department, later transitioning to food services in 2023, according to the release. 

"Morgan faced numerous challenges, such as limited staff and inventory, which led to rushed shipments of 3,000 boxes throughout the summer," the release stated.

Morgan was nominated as one of 30 nationwide nominees for the Anti-Hunger All-Star Certificate by Hobbs, who also received the recognition in previous years. Hobbs emphasized the honor of the award, noting, “I couldn’t have done this summer without Anna and my intern. My goal since coming to the Y has been to reach people outside of our walls. This summer, we did that, and it was amazing.”