Federal budget cuts are about to hit North Carolina’s food banks and schools hard, removing nearly $30 million in support for local food purchases. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will end funding for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, leaving many organizations in a tough spot.
The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, one of several food banks dependent on this federal aid, is now searching for new funding sources. They report that hunger is increasing across the 34 counties they cover. Experts warn that without this funding, it’s going to be even tougher for families in need to get healthy food options.
The cuts mean food banks will lose about $11.4 million, while schools will see a nearly $19 million reduction that affects their ability to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein over the next two years. This has serious implications; fewer families will have access to meals, and many small farms that sell their goods to schools and food banks might have to close their doors.
Currently, hunger in North Carolina has reached its highest level in 15 years. With grocery prices continuing to rise, local advocates are stepping up their efforts. Many are calling for action from both Congress and state legislators to restore essential funding.
“This is a critical moment. We need Congress to step in and restore federal funding for USDA Local Food Purchases,” the food bank stated in a recent announcement. They also emphasized the importance of state lawmakers finding ways to bridge the funding gap if federal assistance isn’t renewed.
In light of these challenges, community support is vital. Many people are uniting online, sharing their stories and urging lawmakers to prioritize food security for families and local farmers. This situation highlights the importance of local food systems, especially in times of need.
To learn more about the situation and how you can help, check out the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina’s website. Together, we can advocate for a stronger support network for those facing food insecurity.
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