North Carolina food bank leaders call for action as hunger continues to rise

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Hunger relief leaders from across North Carolina are urging state lawmakers to restore critical food assistance funding as food insecurity continues to climb statewide amid rising living costs and growing demand at food banks.

Representatives from Feeding the Carolinas and partner food banks will gather at the North Carolina General Assembly on Tuesday, May 12, to advocate for renewed state funding that supports emergency food programs and helps food banks purchase fresh food from local farmers.

Food bank leaders say the need for assistance has surged over the past year as families grapple with higher costs for groceries, housing, and fuel. According to organizers, more than 1.6 million North Carolinians now face food insecurity, with many food banks reporting demand increases of 30% or more compared to last year.

The pressure has been especially severe in communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene, where some local food pantries and meal programs have experienced record numbers of visitors seeking assistance.

“The price of food is rising, and so is hunger. The time to act is now,” said Eric Aft, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC and chair of the Feeding the Carolinas Board of Directors. “We are seeing more working families than ever before turn to food banks for help, and we need the state’s partnership to ensure no one goes hungry—especially during times of crisis.”

According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one in seven North Carolinians — including one in five children — lives in a food-insecure household.

Food bank officials warn the situation could worsen in the coming months due to ongoing economic pressures and anticipated changes to federal nutrition assistance programs. Leaders pointed specifically to proposed adjustments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which they say could reduce access for many families.

Currently, SNAP serves approximately 1.4 million North Carolinians each month, with 43% of participating households including children.

“Food banks will continue to show up for our communities, no matter the circumstances,” said Ann Edmondson. “But we cannot do it alone. Restoring this funding is essential to ensuring that in times of crisis or disaster, our state is prepared and our neighbors are cared for.”

Advocates emphasized that charitable food networks cannot fully replace federal nutrition programs. Feeding the Carolinas notes that for every one meal distributed by food banks, SNAP provides nine.

The coalition is calling on lawmakers to restore the state budget appropriation that has historically supported food bank purchases from North Carolina farmers, helping strengthen both local agriculture and hunger relief efforts.

Residents can learn more or support the initiative through the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina’s website.