Advocate

Urgent Action Needed

Advocate to End Hunger for Good

Across central and eastern North Carolina, more than 5600,000 children, adults, and seniors don’t know where their next meal might come from in any given week. It’s the highest rate of hunger we’ve seen since the Great Recession — higher than the peak of the pandemic.

Alongside our efforts to meet the rising demand for food assistance, the Food Bank works to empower our communities to build long-term solutions to hunger together. At the local, state, and federal levels, our non-partisan advocacy efforts push for public policies and investments that help us move closer to a future where no one goes hungry.

A Strong Farm Bill that Supports Families and Farmers

Right now, more than 560,000 people face food insecurity in our region — and we’re grateful to for the countless farmers who feed our communities and are part of the movement to end hunger. That’s why we’re urging our Senators and Representatives to pass a strong U.S. Farm Bill that:

  • Invests in nutrition and agriculture support initiatives
  • Ensures SNAP grocery benefits keep up with rising prices
  • Expands programs that help food banks meet the rising demand for food assistance

The Farm Bill only comes up only once or twice in a decade, so it’s critical that our elected leaders get it right. Join us in contacting your legislators today — it only takes two minutes to make a big difference!

Protect & Strengthen Nutrition Programs

Federal nutrition benefits lift millions of families and individuals out of poverty, alleviate food insecurity, and have positive economic impact in the communities we serve.

The Food Bank operates U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition programs such as TEFAP, SNAP, CSFP, and childhood nutrition programs. Through the budget process and other actions, the Food Bank advocates for the protection, and where warranted, expansion, of these programs to support individuals and families most at risk of being food insecure.

Local Food Donations & Purchasing

Our network can’t distribute more than 103 million meals each year without consistent access to donated and low-cost food. That access requires policies and regulations that support local farmers and producers, promote sustainability, and encourage connections to surplus food. And we do all we can to secure state and federal investments that offset the cost to harvest, pack, and transport nutritious, locally-grown food.

Right now, major cuts are being planned to federal programs that help schools and food banks purchase food from local farmers. We need elected leaders at all levels to understand the importance of this funding.

Local Food Donations & Purchasing

Our network can’t distribute more than 103 million meals each year without consistent access to donated and low-cost food. That access requires policies and regulations that support local farmers and producers, promote sustainability, and encourage connections to surplus food. And we do all we can to secure state and federal investments that offset the cost to harvest, pack, and transport nutritious, locally-grown food.

Right now, major cuts are being planned to federal programs that help schools and food banks purchase food from local farmers. We need elected leaders at all levels to understand the importance of this funding.

More ways you can help

Have a question that’s not addressed above? Need to connect regarding opportunities for larger groups? Reach out to our Volunteer Team.