Organizations in North Carolina have contributed almost $4 million to help address hunger in the state, according to an announcement by Governor Josh Stein. These donations come after last week’s news that the State of North Carolina and its partners would provide $18 million to fight hunger. Combined, nearly $22 million has been raised since the federal government shutdown began affecting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
“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 latest contributions include $1 million from The Duke Endowment to Feeding the Carolinas for both North and South Carolina. Dogwood Health Trust donated $700,000 to farmers and food banks, with a portion distributed through six regional foundations: AMY Wellness Foundation, Gateway Wellness Foundation, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, Nantahala Health Foundation, Pisgah Health Foundation, and WNC Bridge Foundation. Additionally, AMY Wellness Foundation provided $25,000 and Gateway Wellness Foundation gave $100,000 in extra support.
Other donors include Food Lion Feeds with $771,000; Coca-Cola Consolidated at $500,000; The Leon Levine Foundation contributing $425,000 to GiveDirectly for residents of both Carolinas; Centene Foundation with $200,000; Cone Health Foundation providing $72,000; North Carolina Retail Merchants Association/Carolinas Food Industry Council giving $50,000; and Empire Eats donating $5,000.
These recent private contributions add to nearly $8 million previously given by private donors and more than $10 million in state support for food banks announced last week.
More than 1.4 million people in North Carolina depend on SNAP benefits for groceries. This group includes children, veterans, people with disabilities, and working families. For every meal provided by a food bank in the state, SNAP supplies nine meals.
