State and private donors mobilize as federal SNAP benefits face suspension
NORTH CAROLINA — Governor Josh Stein announced that North Carolina will provide $10 million to local food banks across the state as federal nutrition assistance programs face unprecedented disruption.
The state’s contribution is part of a broader $18 million relief effort that includes $5 million from AmeriHealth Caritas, $2.5 million from The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation, and donations from other corporate and private partners.
Federal Shutdown Threatens SNAP Benefits
The emergency funding comes in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to suspend the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. The suspension affects more than 1.4 million North Carolinians, including hundreds of thousands of children, veterans, people with disabilities, and working families who rely on the program to afford groceries.
“With the help of generous partners, North Carolina is taking action to keep families fed,” Governor Stein said. “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.”
The governor emphasized the need for federal action, calling on Washington leaders to “come together immediately to find a bipartisan solution that provides long-term stability for millions of Americans.”
Private Sector Steps Up
AmeriHealth Caritas’s $5 million investment will support MANNA FoodBank’s nutrition network, building on the company’s commitment to food access following Hurricane Helene.
“We believe access to healthy food is fundamental to good health,” said Heidi Chan, AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina market president. “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, CEO of MANNA FoodBank, called the contribution “a generous investment” that “comes at a critical time,” strengthening the organization’s ability to serve communities “with compassion, consistency, and care.”
The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation accelerated $2.5 million from a previously announced $10 million commitment to combat food insecurity across North and South Carolina.
“We care deeply about the Carolinas and want to support our communities, especially in times of urgent need,” David and Nicole Tepper said in a joint statement. “Every family deserves access to food and basic needs, yet food insecurity is a daily reality for millions.”
Additional Contributors Include Major Corporations
Other donors contributing to the relief effort include:
- Duke Energy Foundation: $100,000
- Bank of America: $100,000
- Nucor Charitable Foundation: $100,000
- Delaware North and Catawba Two Kings Casino: $50,000
- UNC Health Foundation & UNC Horizons: $30,000
- The Fresh Market: $25,000
- Eastern Ministerial Alliance: $20,000
- Smithfield Foods: $20,000
- AdventHealth: $19,000
- Compare Foods: $10,000
- Lending Tree: $7,500
- r4 Technologies Smart Food Foundation: 10,000 pounds of food
Food Banks Can’t Replace Federal Programs
While grateful for the influx of support, food bank leaders stressed that emergency food programs cannot substitute for federal nutrition assistance.
“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,” said Amy Beros, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. “But we know emergency food programs can’t replace the impact of federal nutrition assistance.”
Beros noted that SNAP remains “the most effective tool in fighting hunger and poverty nationwide,” adding that “every day of delay means more empty plates and tougher choices for our neighbors.”
For context, food banks provide one meal for every nine meals that SNAP provides to families in need.
Guidance for SNAP Recipients
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is advising residents who depend on SNAP and other nutrition benefits to:
Continue to Apply and Renew: All residents should continue applying for SNAP benefits and submit renewal paperwork on time. County department of social services offices remain open and are processing applications to prevent backlogs when funding is restored.
Check Your Balance: Benefits currently on EBT cards remain available for use. Recipients can check balances through the ebtEDGE app, online at ebtEDGE.com, or by calling 1-888-622-7328.
Seek Immediate Help: Families in immediate need of food resources can call 2-1-1 to connect with local resources or visit the NCDHHS website to find nearby food pantries.
Updates on the federal shutdown are available through NCDHHS channels.
