Waymakers feeds those in need in North Carolina

Volunteer-run monthly plate giveaway in Wilson has grown from 300 to 1,500 meals

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Waymakers of North Carolina, a volunteer-run organization, has been hosting a monthly plate giveaway in Wilson, North Carolina since 2021. What started as a 300-meal event has grown to providing up to 1,500 meals per month to those facing food insecurity, with the help of volunteers and the Jackson Chapel First Missionary Baptist Church.

Why it matters

The growing need for food assistance in Wilson highlights the ongoing challenges of food insecurity in the community, which has been exacerbated by the economic impacts of the pandemic. Waymakers' efforts to feed those in need demonstrate the power of community-driven initiatives to address local issues.

The details

Waymakers founders LaTanya Simpson and Everett Speight started the monthly meal giveaway in January 2021, initially providing 300-400 meals. The event has since expanded significantly, now averaging 1,200-1,500 meals per month, with over 50,000 meals served in total. Volunteers work in an assembly line to prepare and distribute the meals, which include ham, potatoes, and green beans. In addition to the on-site distribution, Waymakers also delivers around 600 meals to people living in local hotels who cannot afford food.

  • Waymakers started the monthly meal giveaway in January 2021.
  • As of December 2025, Waymakers has served over 50,000 meals.

The players

Waymakers of North Carolina

A volunteer-run organization that hosts a monthly plate giveaway to provide meals to those in need in Wilson, North Carolina.

LaTanya Simpson

Co-founder of Waymakers of North Carolina who oversees the monthly meal giveaway.

Everett Speight

Co-founder of Waymakers of North Carolina who helps organize the monthly meal giveaway.

Jackson Chapel First Missionary Baptist Church

A local church that provides space for Waymakers to host the monthly plate giveaway.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I feel like the Lord has just blessed us, and when I am talking about us, I am talking about us as a whole city, as a whole country. The Lord just put it in my spirit to do it, and it was on everybody's spirit because I am getting help from everybody. It has been a blessing.”

— Everett Speight, Co-founder, Waymakers of North Carolina (wilsontimes.com)

“When we started this, we were doing 300 or 400 meals every month, and now we are averaging between 1,200 and 1,500 meals every month. As of December of last year, I think it is over 50,000 meals that we have done since we started.”

— LaTanya Simpson, Co-founder, Waymakers of North Carolina (wilsontimes.com)

“There's a lot to do and there's a lot of need, and we are happy to address it in what ways we can. If that means coming out here on a Sunday to help feed our community, that's really no problem. Some people might be daunted by the size of the task, but with many hands, it becomes small work.”

— Michael Langston, Volunteer, Waymakers of North Carolina (wilsontimes.com)

What’s next

Waymakers plans to continue hosting the monthly plate giveaway, with the next event scheduled for March 12, 2026.

The takeaway

Waymakers' growing meal distribution demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives to address local issues of food insecurity. The organization's ability to scale up its efforts with the help of volunteers and community partners highlights the potential for grassroots solutions to make a meaningful impact.