From Our CEO: Celebrating State Budget Investments in North Carolina Farms, Families, and Food Security
State funding marks meaningful progress for North Carolina families and farmers amid rising food costs and federal cuts to hunger relief
From Our CEO: Celebrating State Budget Investments in North Carolina Farms, Families, and Food Security
The General Assembly included our full request for $9+ 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.
After a two-year delay, the new state budget also helps to offset federal cuts to SNAP administrative funds and makes meaningful investments in staffing, training, and technology to help counties strengthen program administration and reduce SNAP 'error rates'.
Together with the continuation of SUN Bucks and the Farm-to-School program, these investments represent important progress toward a stronger, more responsive food assistance system for communities across North Carolina.
Still, we know there's significant work ahead — especially with ongoing disruptions to hunger relief programs and funding in Washington, DC. We've proven that our voices really do matter in public policy decisions, and our advocacy will be even more important in the months to come.
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– Amy Beros Food Bank President & CEOAcross the Food Bank network, we're grateful to see meaningful investments in the state budget that recognize the deep connection between hunger relief, local agriculture, and the long-term health of our communities.
We are especially encouraged by the significant commitment to purchasing food from North Carolina farms and the broader investments in land preservation for local agriculture. These resources matter. They help ensure more fresh, locally-grown food reaches children and families while strengthening the farmers and working lands that nourish our state. At a time when federal cuts have disrupted critical food purchasing programs and created real uncertainty for farmers and families alike, the General Assembly's investment is an important and welcome step forward.
We also appreciate the funding, staffing, and technology investments devoted to protecting access to SNAP grocery support. SNAP remains one of the most effective tools we have to help families put food on the table — especially as grocery prices and the broader cost of living continue to rise. Ensuring that North Carolina families can access benefits consistently and without unnecessary delay is essential to the stability of households across our state.
“This budget represents a significant and important first step — and we are grateful to Governor Stein and the many legislative leaders who helped make it possible. At the same time, we know there is a long road ahead. Federal cuts to vital hunger relief programs mean North Carolina will need to do even more next year to protect SNAP, invest in local farms, and ensure no one goes hungry in our state.
The Food Bank looks forward to partnering with lawmakers, state agencies, farmers, neighbors, and our network of hunger relief organizations to build on this progress and keep moving toward a North Carolina where everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.”
We're grateful for this vital support from Governor Stein and many Legislative Leaders — and mindful that food purchase funding comes as food insecurity across the state has reached its highest point in a generation.
More than 600,000 people are struggling to keep food on the table in our region. And these challenges continue to grow with the rising cost of food, housing, and fuel. If you or someone you know is in need of support, know that our network of 700+ pantries, meal sites, and delivery programs is available and open to all.
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