The Three Squares for CENC program, part of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, was created to close a critical gap: too many seniors who qualify for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) remain disconnected from benefits that could ease food insecurity. In rural counties like New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, and Wake, frail, isolated, and disabled older adults often struggle with transportation, mobility, and misinformation, leaving them without the support they need.

To address this, the program meets seniors where they are—at dining sites, senior centers, and through home-delivered meal programs—partnering with trusted providers like Meals on Wheels, AARP, churches, and health clinics. Staff deliver culturally competent outreach, pre-screening, and application support, guiding seniors step by step to ensure applications are completed and submitted to DSS.

The program focuses on two goals: expanding FNS participation through hands-on support and reducing benefit “churn” by helping seniors recertify on time. By training 30 peer advocates across four counties, it extends its reach, strengthens trust, and reclaims millions in unclaimed nutrition support—boosting both individual stability and local economies.

Ultimately, Three Squares for CENC is about more than applications; it builds relationships, strengthens networks, and ensures vulnerable seniors do not fall through the cracks, while tracking measurable outcomes to demonstrate accountability and impact.