NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference
The NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference is an annual day of celebration and inspiration for everyone in our state interested in making sure kids have access to healthy food in schools and communities. Join us to talk about the future of solving child hunger through federal nutrition programs and beyond.
The 15th annual conference will take place Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in Asheville. Details on registration are coming soon.
2026 NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference
WHO?
Anyone interested in nutrition, fighting hunger, education, or making sure kids have access to healthy food is invited. Previous conference attendees have included everyone from nutrition professionals, to principals and teachers, to food banks, to faith-based organizations, to elected officials, to advocates and community leaders.
The conference is hosted by Carolina Hunger Initiative, a part of the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. The conference was started by No Kid Hungry NC, which is a partnership between UNC and Share Our Strength.
WHAT?
The conference is a day of celebration and inspiration. Attendees will have a chance to connect with other child hunger leaders from across the state, learn about new strategies and success stories, and leave reenergized to continue the fight against child hunger.
WHEN?
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
WHERE?
The Orange Peel in Asheville, NC
WHY?
All kids need healthy food to thrive. 1 in 5 children in North Carolina face hunger. Increasing access to healthy food for kids has been linked to better academic performance and better social-emotional outcomes. Let’s end child hunger in our state.
Speaker and session announcements coming soon.
These hotels have blocks held for NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference attendees. More to come.
Moxy Asheville
$120/night
Only 270 feet up the street from the venue, The Orange Peel
Last day to book: Monday, Jan. 26, 2026
Click here to book
Aloft Asheville Downtown
$120/night
Only 300 feet up the street from the venue, The Orange Peel
Click here to book
Courtyard by Marriott Asheville
$89/night
About 0.5 miles from the venue, The Orange Peel
Last day to book: Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
Click here to book
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Asheville
$95/night
About 2.7 miles from the venue, The Orange Peel
Last day to book: Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
Click here to book
*The Moxy and Aloft are located up the street from the venue, and include parking. Other attendees can receive a parking voucher at the conference for any city-operated lot.
This year’s venue: THE ORANGE PEEL in Asheville, NC!
The Orange Peel was once named one of the top 5 rock clubs in the nation by Rolling Stone magazine. Its stage has featured artists from Bob Dylan to Ms. Lauryn Hill. And its next major event will be the NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference! We hope to see you there on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING?
Carolina Hunger Initiative has sponsorship opportunities open for this year’s event. The NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference attracts more than 350 leading nutrition professionals, passionate advocates, and stakeholders from across the state each year. Contact us at carolinahungerinitiative@unc.edu to learn more.
INTERESTED IN PRESENTING?
Do you have a great success story or innovative practice related to fighting child hunger that you want to present at the conference?
Do you have a creative and engaging way to present it?
Tell us what you’d do with 5 minutes on the agenda to tell your story. Share your idea with us by completing the question on the registration form or sending it to carolinahungerinitiative@unc.edu.
Here’s what attendees at previous years of the conference had to say:
“It was one of the most exhilarating conferences I have attended.”
“This was very beneficial to have administrators and teachers attend so that we can work hand in hand.”
“The location was great, the involvement was great, and the food throughout the day was an added bonus.”
“Wonderful networking opportunities.”
“It felt very warm to know that we are part of a big cause, and this is something that we will pass to our kids and families.”
“This is the best opportunity we have had all year for an extended session of sharing ideas, collaborations, and strategies.”
“It’s always encouraging and gives hope for our children.”