Governor Josh Stein visited MANNA FoodBank in Asheville, where he volunteered and presented a $585,000 donation from the State of North Carolina. This action is part of an ongoing initiative to increase both public and private support for food banks across the state.
The visit comes as the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) faced challenges distributing full benefits due to a government shutdown. However, new guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will allow NCDHHS to provide full benefits to recipients starting tomorrow.
“MANNA FoodBank has remained committed to its mission of feeding North Carolinians, both after the Hurricane Helene destroyed their facility and while the federal administration paused SNAP payments,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We have to make sure our neighbors can put food on the table. North Carolina is doing its part to support families, and it’s past time for the federal government to do the same.”
“At MANNA, we believe that everyone—our families, our veterans, our children—deserves access to healthy food. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that no one in western North Carolina has to worry about where their next meal will come from,” said Claire Neal, CEO of MANNA FoodBank. “We are deeply grateful for Governor Stein and the State of North Carolina’s continued partnership and investment in keeping our neighbors nourished during this challenging time.”
Earlier this week, Governor Stein also volunteered at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and delivered a $3.34 million donation from the state. In recent weeks, nearly $22 million has been allocated by Governor Stein through a public-private partnership involving major donors such as AmeriHealth Caritas, The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation, and The Duke Endowment.
Despite these efforts at both state and private levels, there remains a need for federal assistance for over 1.4 million residents who rely on SNAP benefits.
NCDHHS continues direct communication with beneficiaries affected by disruptions caused by the shutdown and provides updates on its website dedicated to this issue. Information about SNAP is also being updated online with more details and frequently asked questions.
People relying on food assistance are advised by NCDHHS to regularly check their EBT card balances using available resources like ebtEDGE.com or its app. Those needing immediate help can call 2-1-1 or visit NCDHHS’s food access page for local pantry information.
