What to expect from the government shutdown — and action you can take to help end it

We celebrate a major win for North Carolina food banks, farms, and families. The General Assembly included our full request for $9.1 million in food purchase funding across the state — a 50% increase over the last budget! 

As Governor Josh Stein signs North Carolina’s long-delayed state budget, we are filled with gratitude for the relentless advocacy of staff, volunteers, and neighbors across our network.

As federal action cut off people’s SNAP benefits in November and the holidays strained families’ budgets in December, I’ve seen North Carolina's light shining in food banks across the state. In Asheville, Claire Neal experienced MANNA Food Bank’s warehouse being washed away by Hurricane Helene. MANNA’s own need was immense: tons of food lost and operations interrupted. Yet before the waters even receded, the folks at MANNA were already figuring out a Plan B. They knew that, as great as their need was, the need of the people of western North Carolina was greater.

I saw the same at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. When I visited, CEO Amy Beros met me at the door and immediately began describing the strain families were feeling from the shutdown impacts. It happened to be Veterans Day when I visited, and I spent the afternoon learning how too many of the state’s veterans are experiencing food insecurity. The food bank is standing in the gap to preserve both people’s access to their food and their dignity.

– Governor Josh Stein