Miracle of Light: Governor Stein Reflects on Food Banks' Collective Impact

We're looking back on a year of deep challenges and incredible community generosity. 

Just one example: Governor Josh Stein's $3.3 million investment in our efforts to ensure families had access to healthy food throughout the government shutdown and ongoing disruption to federal hunger relief programs. Paired with unprecedented support from local donors, volunteers, and advocates, these emergency funds have helped us meet this moment head-on.

In his December reflections, Governor Stein shared the light and hope food banks have offered to families facing challenges across the state.

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