This substantial funding effort was initiated to fill the gap left by the recent federal government shutdown, which impacted essential SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits relied upon by over 1.4 million North Carolinians.
The total of nearly $22 million comprises state grants and a significant outpouring of corporate and philanthropic contributions.
Private Sector Steps Up with Nearly $4 Million in New Donations
Governor Josh Stein announced a fresh wave of private-sector support, totaling almost $4 million in new donations. These contributions follow an earlier commitment of nearly $8 million in private funds and over $10 million in support from the State of North Carolina.
“These donations will help fill the gap and keep people fed,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am immensely grateful to North Carolina organizations that are showing up for their neighbors.”
The list of major new donors highlights a broad commitment from health, retail, and regional foundations:
The Duke Endowment: $1 million to Feeding the Carolinas (for N.C. and S.C.)
Food Lion Feeds: $771,000
Coca-Cola Consolidated: $500,000
The Leon Levine Foundation: $425,000 to GiveDirectly (for North and South Carolinians)
Centene Foundation: $200,000
Critical Funds Target Western NC Food Security
Notably, the Dogwood Health Trust announced $700,000 in emergency funding specifically to help WNC communities purchase and distribute food amid the SNAP benefit disruptions. This funding is being channeled to local farmers and food banks, with a portion regranted by six regional foundations, including:
AMY Wellness Foundation
Gateway Wellness Foundation
Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation
Nantahala Health Foundation
Pisgah Health Foundation
WNC Bridge Foundation
The Trust's action underscores the severity of the crisis in the region, where approximately one in 10 people relies on SNAP benefits. This targeted regional support aims to strengthen the food system, ensure fresh food access, and sustain local farmers who help feed the community.
The Critical Role of SNAP
The Governor's office underscored the vital importance of SNAP, noting that for every one meal a food bank provides to families, SNAP provides nine. The recent funding crisis threatened access to groceries for hundreds of thousands of residents, including veterans, children, people with disabilities, and working families who rely on the program amidst rising grocery costs.
The combined $22 million raised through these state and partner grants is a direct response to this crisis, aimed at providing immediate relief and stability for food-insecure communities across North Carolina.
WNCTimes