 Greetings! My name is Suher Ali and I have the honor to serve at Miss Elizabeth City State University 2015-2016. Did you know that one in six Americans suffer from hunger? In the United States, North Carolina has ranks amongst the highest with 81% of families who do not know where their meal is going to come from. 61% of families served by the Food Bank in North Carolina have been forced to either pay for food or pay for housing. In Northeastern North Carolina, this issue has become more prominent as the number increases to one in five. Since 1982, the Food Bank of the Albemar has committed to serving 15 counties in Northeastern North Carolina. To feed the hungry, the Food Bank of the Albemar, which is located right here in Elizabeth City, provides food to 135 non-profit organizations feeding 21,000 people, including 7,000 children and 3,500 seats. Many people take for granted the opportunity to come to a store like this to buy food for their families. As we know now, there is a huge world hunger epidemic. As Miss ECSU, I would like to play my part in supporting this cause and raising awareness for hunger. I would like to thank the Food Line of Elizabeth City, North Carolina for being a proud sponsor of the CIAA competition. Their commitment has made a difference for those who are in need. Help me bring awareness to this lingering issue. You can make a difference by donating your time, non-perishable items, monetary donations, and even voting for me, Miss ECSU, as Miss CIAA 2016. Remember, a vote for me is a vote for the Food Bank of the Albemar. Thank you.