Free Dinner Invitation for WS/FCS Employees Spotlights Summer Income Pressures Facing School Staff

Chef Anthony and Chef Cookie announced on Facebook that they would host a complimentary Sunday dinner for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools employees on July 19, 2026, at Union Baptist Church on North Trade Street.

The post stated, "As a former Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools teacher, I know firsthand that summers can get a little tight."

The social media announcement spotlighted a financial reality facing the district's roughly 5,300 employees: many school staff confront income pressure during summer months when academic-year paychecks stop.

Financial Reality Behind the Post

North Carolina's standard 10-month contract pay structure means many educators go without paychecks during June and July, though North Carolina General Statute 115C-302.1(b) allows teachers to request 12-month salary distribution.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools currently has approximately 5,300 employees as of 2026, down from roughly 7,000 in previous years due to staff strain and declining enrollment.

Event Details and Organizers' Vision

The dinner was set for Union Baptist Church, 1200 N. Trade St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, running from 4:00 PM until food ran out. WS/FCS employees were instructed to bring their employee badge to receive one complimentary meal per person while supplies lasted.

The post stated, "I also know how hard our educators work all year long, often without enough appreciation," and "Since it's my birthday month, Chef Anthony and I wanted to celebrate by giving back."

Chef Cookie wrote, "This is just the beginning. We plan to celebrate educators in other districts too, but we had to start with the school system that I proudly served."

Budget Strain and Structural Gaps

In July 2026, the WS/FCS Board of Education unanimously approved more than $3.8 million in budget amendments and transfers, marking the latest adjustments needed to close out a fiscal year described as tumultuous for teachers, administrators, and families.

The dinner announcement underscores a persistent question: whether grassroots charity can address the summer income gap facing school employees or whether such gestures signal a need for pay-structure reform the district has not delivered.

What Comes Next

The post stated, "We appreciate you more than words can say, and we hope this blesses you the way you've blessed so many others."

WS/FCS has not publicly addressed the summer pay gap its employees face or outlined plans for structural reform.