Nearly $18 million in contributions will be directed to food assistance efforts across North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein announced today. The funding comes as local food banks prepare for increased demand following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November.
The State of North Carolina is providing $10 million to local food banks. AmeriHealth Caritas will contribute $5 million, while The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation is accelerating $2.5 million from a previously announced commitment. Additional donations are coming from organizations including Duke Energy Foundation, Bank of America, Delaware North and Catawba Two Kings Casino, Nucor Steel, UNC Health Foundation & UNC Horizons, The Fresh Market, Eastern Ministerial Alliance, Smithfield Foods, AdventHealth, Compare Foods, Lending Tree, and r4 Technologies Smart Food Foundation.
“With the help of generous partners, North Carolina is taking action to keep families fed,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Shoring up our state’s food banks will serve as a critical, but fleeting, lifeline for families in need, and I hope other North Carolina organizations will also step up in this time of need. Whether it’s paying our military, ensuring no child goes hungry, or lowering health care costs, leaders in Washington need to come together immediately to find a bipartisan solution that provides long-term stability for millions of Americans.”
Heidi Chan of AmeriHealth Caritas emphasized the importance of access to healthy food: “We believe access to healthy food is fundamental to good health,” she said. “In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our multiyear investment in MANNA’s food nutrition network demonstrates our commitment to helping ensure reliable access to nutritious food.”
Claire Neal from MANNA FoodBank highlighted the impact: “This generous investment from AmeriHealth Caritas comes at a critical time,” she said. “Our partnership will strengthen MANNA’s ability to meet the needs of our neighbors for years to come with compassion, consistency, and care.”
David and Nicole Tepper stated their support: “We care deeply about the Carolinas and want to support our communities, especially in times of urgent need,” they said. “Every family deserves access to food and basic needs, yet food insecurity is a daily reality for millions. We’re proud to support food banks across the Carolinas in this ongoing fight.”
Amy Beros from the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC noted ongoing challenges: “Our hunger relief network is working tirelessly to meet the increased need, with hundreds of partner pantries and thousands of volunteers stepping up to help,” she said. “But we know emergency food programs can’t replace the impact of federal nutrition assistance. SNAP remains the most effective tool in fighting hunger and poverty nationwide. We need swift action to ensure this critical support continues uninterrupted for those who need it most. Every day of delay means more empty plates and tougher choices for our neighbors.”
More than 1.4 million people in North Carolina depend on SNAP benefits each month; these include children, veterans, people with disabilities and working families.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services advises residents who rely on SNAP benefits or other nutrition programs that they should continue applying or renewing their applications as usual because county social services offices remain open during this period.
Current EBT cardholders can still use any available balance by checking through official channels such as ebtEDGE.com or by calling 1-888-622-7328.
Those facing immediate needs are encouraged call 2-1-1 or visit state resources online for information about nearby pantries or updates related to federal program changes.
