Fighting Hunger Across North Carolina: Meet Jane Cox
By Cindy Stranad
December 2006
The North Carolina Journal for Women
As president and CEO of the Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina, Jane Cox has the enormous role of providing food to more than 400,000 residents in 34 counties. Nearly half of the families served are those who are employed; yet have to make the decision of whether to eat or pay for other basic necessities, such as housing and medicine. As a North Carolina native, Cox feels it is her responsibility to give back to the community that raised her.
After growing up in Thomasville, N.C., Cox attended The University at North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There she received an undergraduate degree in public speaking and gender communications.
“I always was involved with a lot of work with arts organizations and nonprofits; that’s what was initially intriguing,” Cox said. “In 1995, I started working for the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C. under the direction of Lynne Brantley. She served as a mentor and enabled me to discover my personal strengths and urged me to build on them.”
In May of 1998, Cox returned to North Carolina. “The move was pivotal for my career,” Cox said. “I loved North Carolina and felt so lucky to be joining the Food Bank serving 34 counties of North Carolina.”
Cox has recorded large amounts of success during her tenure, which is now approaching 10 years. Last year alone, the Food Bank distributed more than 31.4 million pounds of food through a network of 890 partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and after school programs for children.
This year, a unique partnership has formed with the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) challenging companies to provide two million meals, or about 750,000 pounds of food. “It’s an increase from the 1.2 million meals provided throughout the holidays last year, but the need is very real and growing,” said Monica Doss, chair of the 2006 Heart of Carolina Food Drive.
“I always look for business opportunities that develop strong partnerships with others who have a drive to benefit all parties involved,” Cox said. “If everyone has clear expectations and is committed to a common purpose, it becomes much easier to meet your business goals.”
Cox is also thankful for the hundred of volunteers that help the Food Bank each year. Volunteers sort 40 percent of the donations, and during the fiscal year of 2005–2006, volunteers logged more than 99,000 hours, equivalent to 47 full-time employees. Moreover, for every one hour worked at the Food Bank, 317 pounds of food is distributed in the community.
Nick Didow, a professor of marketing at the Kenan Flagler School of Business at UNC-Chapel Hill, influenced Cox by always emphasizing the value of family while balancing a career. Not only has Cox made her own family a priority, but she has also set a personal goal to help the families of North Carolina.
Sadly, 30 percent of those fed by the Food Bank are children and 18 percent are elderly. “If you put the number of children alone served by the Food Bank into each major basketball arena in our service territory (UNC-W, ECU, NC Central University, NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill), you can fill up each one of these massive basketball arenas twice and still have enough children left over to fill 500 school buses waiting outside,” says Cox.
Many of the kids that receive a free or reduced priced lunch during the school day go lacking meals during the times school is not in session. During the holidays people are eager to donate clothing and toys, while children are especially in need of groceries.
“During the vacation and summer vacations there is always a larger need for donations. We strongly encourage people to donate to the Food Bank via our Web site. E-donations are a quick and easy way for any one to make a great contribution to for our cause,” she suggests.
Because of the buying leverage, for every dollar donated, the Food Bank distributes more than $8 worth of food or equivalent roughly to four meals. And for every dollar donated, $.97 goes directly to food and programs.
Not only involved locally, Cox is committed to make a contribution worldwide as an Eisenhower Fellow. In 2003, she and her husband traveled to Australia and New Zealand. Ten to fifteen USA Eisenhower Fellows typically travel abroad each year for individualized programs in countries where their professions can be enriched by hosting individuals and organizations. The goal is to enhance the development of U.S. mid-career leaders in fields important to the future of their region and to the United States as a whole. “Taking advantage of this program really allowed me to learn about people all over the world,” she said.
Despite her hard work, Cox understands that her work is far from complete. “If I had a magic wand, I would wave it and eliminate hunger. I think that would make me very happy in my career!” Cox says.