David Tepper, the owner of the Carolina Panthers, recently announced a remarkable commitment of over $10 million to food banks across the Carolinas. This investment, the largest from the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation to date, aims to support ten different food banks in North and South Carolina, providing both one-time and annual grants.
The following food banks are set to benefit from this generous support:
- Food Bank of the Albemarle
- Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina
- Golden Harvest Food Bank
- Harvest Hope Food Bank
- Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and Bank
- Lowcountry Food Bank
- MANNA Food Bank
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina
Tepper’s foundation emphasized that now is a critical time for food banks, which are facing a decline in public funding and rising operational costs. They stated, “When we learned of the growing strain on our partner food banks, it was important for us to respond and quickly.” This highlights an urgent need as many communities are grappling with food insecurity.
Historically, food banks have played a vital role during crises. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in demand for food assistance, pushing many organizations to their limits. Research shows that 1 in 8 Americans experienced food insecurity in 2021, an alarming statistic that underscores the urgency of supporting food banks today.
Since taking over the Panthers in 2018, the Teppers have prioritized addressing food insecurity in the region. Their previous contributions include a $3 million donation for the "Hunger Hub" in Charlotte and another $3 million to support hurricane relief efforts.
Community involvement remains strong. Recently, the Panthers and Charlotte FC players worked together to pack food for hurricane-affected areas. In addition, country music stars Luke Combs and Eric Church raised funds through the "Concert for Carolina," which was a notable success.
This concentrated effort underscores the importance of community engagement and support. With hunger affecting so many, initiatives like Tepper’s remind us of the collective responsibility to help those in need. As the Teppers continue to advocate for food security, their actions shine a light on the pressing hunger crisis facing many families today.
For more on the impact of food insecurity in the U.S., you can refer to the USDA’s annual report on food security.
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