Our Statement on USDA Elimination of Vital Hunger Data

Now in its 33rd year, Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day is one of the most long-standing State Fair traditions, growing to become the largest single-day food drive in North Carolina. With support from Smithfield Foods, fairgoers from across the state donate six non-perishable food items in exchange for free admission.  And at a time when more than 1.7 million people statewide — one in seven of our neighbors — don’t know where their next meal might come from, the generosity shown in this year’s effort takes on even greater importance.  

Politicians in Washington voted to slash the federal safety nets that help millions of people in North Carolina afford food and medicine. They know their decisions will worsen our hunger crisis, and now they're attempting to hide the evidence by eliminating impact data that has been available to the public for decades.

Administrative changes at the USDA can't erase the reality our communities face every day: the price of groceries remains out of reach for far too many families — and more people are seeking food assistance today than any point in the past 20 years.

Our hunger relief network relies on this data to target resources where they're needed most, especially in rural communities where services are more difficult to access. The General Assembly and state agencies need reliable data to make smart investments in the most effective programs. This information takes even greater importance when tight budgets require tough decisions — and there are no shortage of difficult fiscal discussions underway right now.

We need our Members of Congress to understand the impact this irresponsible decision will have on  kids, seniors, and people with disabilities across North Carolina. It's incredibly important that we all make our voices heard and urge elected leaders to restore vital hunger data.

– Jason Kanawati Stephany Food Bank Vice President

Politicians in Washington voted to slash the federal safety nets that help millions of people in North Carolina afford food and medicine. They know their decisions will worsen our hunger crisis, and now they're attempting to hide the evidence by eliminating impact data that has been available to the public for decades.

Administrative changes at the USDA can't erase the reality our communities face every day: the price of groceries remains out of reach for far too many families — and more people are seeking food assistance today than any point in the past 20 years.

Our hunger relief network relies on this data to target resources where they're needed most, especially in rural communities where services are more difficult to access. The General Assembly and state agencies need reliable data to make smart investments in the most effective programs. This information takes even greater importance when tight budgets require tough decisions — and there are no shortage of difficult fiscal discussions underway right now.

We need our Members of Congress to understand the impact this irresponsible decision will have on  kids, seniors, and people with disabilities across North Carolina. It's incredibly important that we all make our voices heard and urge elected leaders to restore vital hunger data.

– Jason Kanawati Stephany Food Bank Vice President

The Food Bank’s continued partnership with Smithfield Foods has made millions of meals available to local families. Thanks to their support and the generosity of thousands of fairgoers, much-needed relief is coming for children, seniors and adults facing hunger.  

 Since 2008, Smithfield has donated more than 345 million servings of protein to fight hunger and address food insecurity through the company’s Helping Hungry Homes® program.