United Way of Wayne County Mobilizes Emergency Response to Potential SNAP Benefits Pause

United Way of Wayne County Mobilizes Emergency Response to Potential SNAP Benefits Pause

November 2, 2025 Deonna Starks

Local Organization Calls on Community Stakeholders for Support Amid Government Shutdown Concerns

WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — The United Way of Wayne County is launching an emergency food assistance initiative in response to widespread community concerns about the potential pause of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits during the ongoing government shutdown uncertainty.

ALTA Foods Issues $5,000 Challenge Grant

In a letter to community stakeholders, United Way leadership acknowledged the growing anxiety among residents regarding their food security. The organization announced that ALTA Foods has issued a challenge grant of $5,000 to jumpstart emergency relief efforts through the UCAN program.

The UCAN (United Community Action Network) program, which typically provides support and connections to community members in crisis, will now specifically target verified SNAP recipients who may face disruptions in their benefits.

Call for Community Support

United Way leadership acknowledged the timing of this emergency appeal, noting that many stakeholders are already committed to supporting the organization’s ongoing Community Campaign. Despite this, officials expressed gratitude for any additional support community partners can provide during this urgent situation.

The organization expressed gratitude for consideration of support to this emergency need and for all efforts to keep the community strong.

Food Pantry Partnerships and Perishable Drives

Beyond monetary donations, United Way is coordinating with local food pantries to expand emergency food distribution networks. The organization is currently revising its comprehensive food pantry list, which will be shared on social media platforms in the coming days.

Community members and organizations are invited to organize perishable food drives to stock local pantries during this critical period. United Way emphasized the importance of fresh food donations to supplement pantry supplies.

Campaign Season Considerations

United Way leadership acknowledged the timing of this emergency appeal, noting that many stakeholders are already committed to supporting the organization’s ongoing Community Campaign. Despite this, officials expressed gratitude for any additional support community partners can provide during this urgent situation.

“Thank you for considering support to this emergency need and for all you do to keep our community strong,” the organization stated.

How to Help

Community members and organizations interested in supporting this emergency initiative can:

  • Donate to the UCAN program with “SNAP” designation
  • Organize perishable food drives for local pantries
  • Contact United Way of Wayne County for verified SNAP recipient support coordination
  • Monitor United Way’s social media channels for the updated food pantry list

For more information on how to contribute to this emergency response effort, contact the United Way of Wayne County directly.

SNAP Funding Cuts Threaten Food Security for Millions of North Carolina Families

SNAP Funding Cuts Threaten Food Security for Millions of North Carolina Families

November 2, 2025 Deonna Starks

Government Shutdown Puts Critical Nutrition Benefits at Risk for Students Across the State

WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — Millions of North Carolina families face an unprecedented crisis as the ongoing government shutdown threatens to halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits this weekend. The lapse in funding could leave hundreds of thousands of children without access to regular, nutritious meals both at home and at school.

The impact comes as the Trump Administration has declined to release existing contingency funds that would allow the program to continue operating during the shutdown, a decision that advocates say will have devastating consequences for the state’s most vulnerable residents.

SNAP’s Critical Role in North Carolina

SNAP funding has brought nearly $3 billion into North Carolina, helping more than one million residents afford basic groceries. The program primarily serves the state’s most vulnerable populations, with four in five SNAP households including a child, senior, or adult with a disability.

According to data from participating households:

  • 50% include children
  • 45% include individuals with a disability
  • 36% include older adults

The program addresses a significant need in a state where 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line—the 17th highest poverty rate in the nation. North Carolina also ranks 15th nationally in child poverty, with more than 374,000 children, or 16.2%, living in poverty.

School Meal Programs in Jeopardy

Beyond home food security, the shutdown threatens critical school nutrition programs that North Carolina students depend on daily. The Federal School Lunch Program, Federal School Breakfast Program, and Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) all rely on federal reimbursements to provide free and reduced-price meals to students.

More than 1,600 schools across North Carolina adopted CEP during the 2023-2024 school year, benefiting over 800,000 students. Without federal support, these schools could struggle to continue offering universal meals, particularly challenging as many districts are already operating without a finalized state budget.

If funding is delayed or halted, school districts will be forced to cover meal costs independently—an unrealistic expectation given current budget constraints. Students from families who also rely on SNAP benefits face heightened risk of food insecurity both at home and at school.

Call for Immediate Action

“These benefits are literal lifelines for North Carolinians. Without them, families will struggle to put food on the table. No one deserves to go hungry—especially our children,” said Tamika Walker Kelly, President of the North Carolina Association of Educators. “The potential loss of these benefits means kids could lose access to food not just at home, but at school as well. There’s only one word for that: unacceptable.”

The North Carolina Association of Educators is calling on the Trump Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to immediately release contingency funds and maintain SNAP benefits for families in need across the country.

The North Carolina Association of Educators is the state’s leading voice for educational excellence, representing public school employees across all 100 counties, including teachers, classified school staff, administrators, students, retirees, and community allies.

Smithfield Foods Invests $150,000 in Local Food Banks Across 22 States to Combat Food Insecurity

Smithfield Foods Invests $150,000 in Local Food Banks Across 22 States to Combat Food Insecurity

November 1, 2025 Deonna Starks

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Smithfield Foods has announced a $150,000 donation to 30 food banks across 22 states, reinforcing the company’s continued commitment to combating food insecurity in the communities it serves.

Commitment to Supporting Local Communities

The donation aims to bolster hunger relief efforts in areas where Smithfield operates, providing much-needed assistance to families and individuals facing food insecurity.

“Smithfield believes in the power of community and the importance of supporting hunger relief,” said Jim Monroe, vice president of corporate affairs for Smithfield Foods. “This donation helps provide critical support to our neighbors facing hunger and reflects our continuing commitment to doing good in the places we call home.”

Food Banks Across the Country to Benefit

Food banks in 22 states will receive funding to strengthen their outreach and expand food access to local residents. Recipients include:

  • Colorado: Food Bank of the Rockies
  • Georgia: Atlanta Community Food Bank
  • Illinois: Northern Illinois Food Bank
  • Indiana: Gleaners and Food Finders Food Bank
  • Iowa: Food Bank of Iowa and River Bend Food Bank
  • Kansas: Kansas Food Bank
  • Kentucky: God’s Pantry Food Bank
  • Maryland: Maryland Food Bank
  • Massachusetts: Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
  • Minnesota: Second Harvest Heartland
  • Missouri: Second Harvest Community Food Bank, Harvesters – The Community Food Network, Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri, and Ozarks Food Harvest
  • Nebraska: Food Bank for the Heartland and Food Bank of Lincoln
  • North Carolina: Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina
  • Ohio: Freestore Foodbank
  • Oklahoma: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania: Westmoreland Food Bank
  • South Carolina: Harvest Hope Food Bank
  • South Dakota: Feeding South Dakota
  • Tennessee: Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
  • Utah: Utah Food Bank
  • Virginia: Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore
  • Wisconsin: Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin

A Long-Standing Effort to End Hunger

This contribution is part of Smithfield’s ongoing efforts to fight hunger and strengthen the communities where its employees live and work. Through its hunger relief program, Helping Hungry Homes®, the company has provided hundreds of millions of servings of protein to those in need across all 50 states since 2008.

In 2024 alone, Smithfield donated more than 25 million servings of protein, valued at nearly $28 million, to food banks, disaster relief efforts, and community outreach programs nationwide.

Continuing the Mission

Smithfield’s dedication to hunger relief reflects its broader mission to make a positive impact beyond the workplace.

To learn more about Smithfield’s community initiatives and hunger relief efforts, visit smithfieldfoods.com/good-is-what-we-do

New Women’s Reentry Center Opens in Durham to Support Justice-Involved Residents

New Women’s Reentry Center Opens in Durham to Support Justice-Involved Residents

November 1, 2025 Deonna Starks

Jubilee Home Provides Housing and Resources for Women Transitioning from Incarceration

NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina First Lady Anna Stein joined officials from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday to celebrate the opening of Jubilee Home, a new reentry facility dedicated to supporting women as they transition back into their communities following incarceration.

The Durham-based center will provide comprehensive services including mental health counseling, housing assistance, employment support, and other critical resources designed to improve outcomes for justice-involved women.

Addressing Reentry Challenges

“People reentering their communities following incarceration face unbelievable challenges, including access to resources,” First Lady Stein said during the celebration. “Reentry programs like Jubilee Home help people get on their feet by connecting people to housing, transportation, employment, and substance use or mental health counseling and by showing returning residents that they belong.”

The facility is one of 11 organizations awarded funding through NCDHHS as part of a broader initiative to strengthen services for adults involved in the justice system who have mental health needs, substance use disorders, intellectual or developmental disabilities, or traumatic brain injuries.

Supporting Successful Transitions

Jubilee Home can accommodate up to four residents at a time and features a full-time, on-site Peer Navigator team. Peer Navigators are individuals with prior justice system experience who use their knowledge to guide successful reentry. The home includes a common kitchen, living area, dining room, and outdoor space designed to create a welcoming environment.

“We want our clients to feel like this is their home,” said Anna Banke, Director of Wellness Initiatives for Jubilee Home. “Offering low-barrier housing and fostering a sense of belonging for justice-involved people transitioning back to society is a crucial part of setting them up to flourish.”

Residents may stay up to 12 months and are required to pay a modest monthly room fee when earning income. They participate in weekly check-ins with Peer Navigators to address individualized goals such as pursuing education, finding employment, or receiving treatment for substance use or health issues.

Comprehensive Programming and Support

The facility offers onsite wellness programming two to three nights per week, covering topics including financial literacy, relationships, meditation and mindfulness, recovery skills, and self-care.

“Ensuring people have the support they need when they are released from incarceration is critical for their long-term success,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We are grateful for these partnerships across the state as we work to increase the number of reentry supports available and work to keep people from cycling back into the justice system.”

Part of Statewide Effort

Of the 11 funded organizations, four will focus on diversion programs that help connect people to community resources and treatment as an alternative to incarceration. Others, like Jubilee Home, concentrate on reentry support. NCDHHS currently supports more than 50 reentry and diversion programs across North Carolina.

“Reducing the number of people who cycle through the justice system requires connection, care, and community-based support,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. “Jubilee Women’s Home is an exciting new resource that is part of a larger, statewide effort to provide people with the tools and services they need – like counseling, housing, and employment support – to successfully transition back into their communities and build more stable, healthy lives.”

NCDHHS remains committed to expanding services for reentry, diversion, and capacity restoration while advancing access to high-quality mental health care for all North Carolinians.

Plant Spring Bulbs This Fall for a Colorful Garden

Plant Spring Bulbs This Fall for a Colorful Garden

November 1, 2025 Deonna Starks

By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent

Welcome Spring with Fall Planting

Many gardeners incorporate spring-flowering bulbs into their landscapes to enjoy the first vibrant colors of the season. However, the optimal time to plant these bulbs—late fall—arrives when spring feels like a distant memory and you wouldn’t typically be thinking about spring color.

Timing Is Everything

Spring-flowering bulbs should be planted in November, typically when soil temperatures drop below 60°F. Popular varieties include daffodils, tulips, crocus, and hyacinths, just to name a few. These bulbs function like pre-packaged plants, storing all the food and energy needed for successful growth.

The November planting window is crucial because most spring-flowering bulbs require a 12- to 16-week chilling period to produce flowers. Planting in November allows the bulbs to meet this necessary chilling requirement. Without adequate chilling time, bulbs usually produce shorter stems and bloom close to the ground.

Selecting and Storing Quality Bulbs

When purchasing bulbs, choose ones without mold, bruising, or soft spots. If you buy bulbs in September or October, they should be stored in a cool area until planting time arrives in November.

Planting Guidelines

The planting depth and spacing of bulbs depend on the bulb’s size. As a general rule, plant bulbs three to four times as deep as the width of the bulb, measured from the bulb’s base. For spacing, plant large bulbs 3 to 6 inches apart and small bulbs 1 to 2 inches apart.

Fertilization Strategy

Fertilizing bulbs will not help with this season’s performance, since the bulb already has food stored. However, fertilizer will help for future seasons. There are two options for fertilizing bulbs:

  1. Include a slow-release fertilizer in the soil as you are planting the bulbs
  2. Apply a soluble, quick-release fertilizer at the time of planting and again when shoots start emerging

A 10-10-10 fertilizer is recommended for either option. Along with applying a complete fertilizer, incorporating some additional phosphorus at the time of planting can encourage root growth. Bone meal or superphosphate are often used as types of phosphorus. However, it is important to get a soil test of the planting area to determine if there is already enough phosphorus in the soil, which could save you time and money.

The Tulip Challenge

A common question often asked with spring-flowering bulbs deals with tulips. People often plant tulips, enjoy them for one season, but are then disappointed when they don’t return the following year. In areas like Eastern North Carolina, tulips are often treated as annual flowers in that they must be replanted every year. Our climate and soil temperature tend to stay too warm for tulips to successfully come back year after year.

Plan Ahead for Spring Beauty

As we get into the fall season, take time to purchase some spring-flowering bulbs to plant this November. When late winter arrives and you are anxiously awaiting spring weather, you will be glad that you planted those bulbs and added color in the landscape to welcome in spring!

Jessica Strickland is an Agriculture Extension Agent, specializing in horticulture for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Wayne County.

Learn More

  • Sign up for Wayne County Extension Gardening email list to receive timely gardening tips and more at https://wayne.ces.ncsu.edu/email-me
  • Follow us on Facebook @waynecooperativeextension and Instagram @waynecountyextensionnc
  • Visit the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox to discover more plant ideas for your landscape at https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu
Game of the Week: C.B. Aycock Golden Falcons Soar Past Southern Wayne Saints in Conference ClashGame of the Week:

Game of the Week: C.B. Aycock Golden Falcons Soar Past Southern Wayne Saints in Conference ClashGame of the Week:

October 31, 2025 Deonna Starks

Thursday Night Lights in Pikeville

PIKEVILLE, N.C. — The Pittman Agner Law High School Football Game of the Week brought plenty of excitement Thursday night as the C.B. Aycock Golden Falcons hosted the Southern Wayne Saints in a key Big East 5A/6A Conference matchup.

Fans filled the stands in Pikeville, eager to see two familiar rivals face off under the lights. Both teams entered the game determined to claim an important conference victory — but by the final whistle, the Falcons had firmly taken control of the field.

Golden Falcons Dominate the Saints

C.B. Aycock delivered an impressive all-around performance, defeating Southern Wayne by a commanding score of 49–8. The Falcons’ offense clicked early and often, capitalizing on key opportunities and executing efficiently throughout the game.

Southern Wayne fought hard to find momentum but struggled to keep pace with the Falcons’ fast-paced attack. Despite flashes of strong defensive effort and grit, the Saints couldn’t contain Aycock’s balanced offense that kept pressure on every drive.

Conference Implications

The victory gives C.B. Aycock a significant boost in the Big East 5A/6A standings, keeping the Falcons in strong contention as the season nears its final stretch. For Southern Wayne, the loss serves as a tough setback, but the Saints will look to regroup and refocus as they prepare for the next challenge.

Broadcast and Coverage

Thursday’s matchup was broadcast live on FM 98.3 WGBR, with veteran commentators Barry Stallings and Harlon Neal delivering the play-by-play action. Fans who missed the live broadcast can stream replays and find full coverage at GoldsboroDailyNews.com.

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This year’s sponsors include:

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Mary Denise Bell

Mary Denise Bell

October 31, 2025 Deonna Starks

October 30, 2025, 50, Goldsboro —

The Family of Ms. Mary Bell wishes to share with you the Celebration of Life arrangements for their loved one. Ms. Mary Bell passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Wayne UNC Health Care, surrounded by her loving family.

Arrangements are forthcoming at this time.

Services of Love & Compassionate Care have been entrusted to Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors and Cremations, LLC.

Evangelist Alean Parks Jackson

Evangelist Alean Parks Jackson

October 31, 2025 Deonna Starks

October 26, 2025, 76, Goldsboro —

The Family of Evangelist Alean Parks Jackson wishes to share with you the Celebration of Life arrangements for their loved one. Evangelist Jackson transitioned on Sunday, October 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

A Complete Biographical Sketch is forthcoming.

Services of Love & Compassionate Care have been entrusted to Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors and Cremations. LLC.

Cuzzie Elizabeth Wilson

Cuzzie Elizabeth Wilson

October 31, 2025 Deonna Starks

October 28, 2025, 85, Goldsboro —

Cuzzie Elizabeth Wilson, 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Angier on Tuesday afternoon, October 28, 2025.  

She is survived by her beloved sisters,  Carolyn Lawrence of Colerain, NC, and Nancy Wilson, of Holly Springs..

 Born and raised on the Wilson home place of Mount Olive, Elizabeth moved to the Angier area where she spent most of her adult life. She was the daughter of the late John Salmon Wilson and Esther Potts Wilson; and sister to the late Judy Wilson, and Joseph Wilson.

Elizabeth also leaves behind her faithful K-9 companion; Harry; along with several nieces and nephews to include; Julie Gibson and family, Hal Lawrence and family, Mac Lawrence and family, John Wilson and family, Jennifer Wilson and family, Mary Frances Guilliams and family, and Esther Jo Davis and family.

Elizabeth had a deep passion for Saddlebred Horses; she loved to care for or and ride  them as much as possible. The three sisters enjoyed their “sister trips” taken together.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, November 1, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, in the Maplewood Cemetery, Mount Olive. She will be laid to rest along side her parents, and sister Judy. Pastor Beth Gaines will officiate the service with a time of visitation immediately following at the cemetery. 

Lydia Kooy Soper

Lydia Kooy Soper

October 31, 2025 Deonna Starks

October 27, 2025, 45, Goldsboro —

Lydia Fairlight Kooy Soper, Mount Olive resident, passed away Monday, October 27, 2025, at her home.  

Lydia was a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Married to Matthew Paul Soper, she prided herself in providing a warm and loving home for him each day as he returned from his teaching career.  They worshipped together at the Bridge Church, Mount Olive, and frequently they would walk hand-in-hand, the streets of Mount Olive for exercise and simple enjoyment.

Lydia leaves behind her beloved husband, Matt; her mother, Teresa “Terrie” Langley Kooy; her sister, Anne Kooy; two brothers, Peter Kooy and David Kooy; and a nephew, Cameron Kooy, all of Kalamazoo; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vernon and Rose Soper of Wyoming, Michigan; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law,  Wendi Soper, DVM, and Kevin Johnson, of West Olive, Michigan.

Her father, Cameron Kooy, preceded her in death.

A celebration of life service for Lydia will be Saturday, November 8, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bridge Church of Mount Olive, located at 212 O’Berry Road, Dudley, NC.

As a lasting tribute to Lydia’s life, Matt has suggested that memorial gifts be made to either of the following:

Cry Freedom Ministries, 3501 East Ash Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530; Hearts and Hands for Haiti, 6612 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27613; or Gospel for Asia, 1116 St. Thomas Way, Wills Point, Texas 75169.

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