Written by Gene Garin
PITTSBORO, N.C. – The prestigious Duke Energy Citizenship Award is presented to an individual whose work to alleviate food insecurity has impacted the lives of millions of people during the Chatham Chamber of Commerce’s development briefing on Thursday. witnessed by the audience. Renowned chef and restaurateur Sera Kuni received this honor for her groundbreaking initiative, the Feedwell Refrigerator.
A ray of hope amidst uncertainty
The Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award is presented annually and recognizes an individual or group who exemplifies the values of integrity, stewardship, inclusiveness, initiative, teamwork and accountability in their service to the community. . As we celebrate our 120th anniversary, Duke Energy recognizes the profound impact of those who selflessly give their time and talents to improve the lives of others.
Sera Kuni epitomized this spirit of service, viewing her community through a lens focused on addressing food insecurity and food waste. As a chef and restaurateur with more than 25 years of experience at restaurants such as The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering in Chapel Hill and Café Root Cellar in Pittsboro, Kuni inspires people through her culinary expertise. I have always been passionate about nourishing people.
A call to action in the face of adversity
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 revealed the harsh reality of food insecurity in Chatham County, with more than 1 in 6 households struggling to put food on the table. I was having a hard time. At the same time, Kuni recognized that food insecurity and food waste paradoxically coexist, with large amounts of edible food being thrown away by commercial establishments each year.
Driven by a passionate desire to make a difference, Cuni embarked on a journey to tackle this issue head-on. After extensive research and planning, she launched Feedwell Refrigerator, Chatham County’s first nonprofit community refrigerator program, in August 2023. The premise was simple but innovative. The idea was to install household refrigerators in publicly accessible spaces where residents do not have access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable food.
The secret to success: The influence of feedwells
Feedwell Refrigerator operates on the principles of inclusivity and accessibility. There are no forms to fill out, no qualifications to complete, and no questions asked. Individuals are free to take what they need and leave what they can, fostering a sense of community and dignity.
Feedwell refrigerators have come a long way in less than a year since their inception. His four refrigerators, two in Pittsboro and two in Siler City, now stand as a beacon of hope, and further expansion plans are in the works. These refrigerators serve as a lifeline for many people, especially the elderly and people with disabilities who have difficulty preparing meals.
In addition to community refrigerators, Kuni and her team of dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to rescue unsold produce, meat, and prepared foods from local businesses. This effort not only kept large amounts of food from ending up in landfills, but also provided nutrition to countless individuals and families in need.
Evidence of community collaboration
Feed-Well’s success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our community. Local businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals and hospice centers, are supporting Kuni’s efforts and generously donating surplus food.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Feedwell, dedicating their time and effort to ensuring the program runs smoothly. From packing and distributing meals to accepting donations, their dedication to serving others is truly admirable.
Humble gratitude and a call to action
In his acceptance speech, Kuni humbly acknowledged the collective effort behind Feedwell’s success. She highlighted the important role restaurants and businesses play in donating surplus food and thanked the dedicated team of volunteers for their unwavering support.
Kuni’s call to action resonated with the audience, encouraging them to consider supporting this important effort by donating their surplus food to Feedwell Fridge. As she finished her speech, her thunderous applause expressed the community’s gratitude for her dedication to serving others.
The Duke Energy Citizenship Award, presented to Sera Kuni for Feedwell Refrigerator, serves as a testament to the power of individuals to make meaningful change in their communities.
