Local Food Banks Feel the Impact: How Federal Funding Cuts Affect Our Communities

A local food bank in North Carolina is feeling the pinch from recent federal funding cuts. Action Pathways Second Harvest Food Bank serves several counties, including Cumberland, where about 17.8% of people face food insecurity. That’s higher than the state average, and the numbers are even starker for children—over 25% are going hungry.

David Griffin, the food bank’s director, recently addressed city and county officials, sharing alarming statistics. “In Cumberland County, around 60,000 kids may go home today without a meal,” he noted. This urgent need is now becoming even harder to meet.

The cuts to funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which supports the Emergency Food Assistance Program, mean that the food bank has lost 40% of its resources. Last year, the food bank distributed around 16 million pounds of food, helping approximately 88,000 people each month. Now, less food translates to fewer families getting assistance.

Griffin emphasized the program’s importance, stating that losing these funds directly affects the number of meals they can provide: “Taking away 40% of our food means we can’t help as many families as we want.” The situation is critical, especially given that he oversees initiatives like the Head Start program, which focuses on child development.

Another key program, the Local Food Purchase Assistance program, was also canceled, taking away $1.3 million in funds that enabled the food bank to support local farmers while distributing fresh produce. Griffin expressed deep concern, highlighting the heartbreak of having to turn families away due to inadequate resources.

At a recent meeting, Chancer McLaughlin, town manager of Hope Mills, shared insights from his experience on the Action Pathways Board. He observed the devastating impact of funding cuts on community members. “We’re not just talking about statistics; these are our neighbors and friends,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining support for local food programs.

In response to these challenges, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners is seeking ways to support local agriculture and make up some of the losses. They’re planning to establish a $1 million agricultural assistance fund aimed at aiding farmers hit hard by federal cuts and reviving farm-to-table initiatives.

As food banks face increasing demand amid dwindling resources, community support becomes even more vital. The recent cuts highlight the ongoing struggle to combat food insecurity, a problem that has only grown over the years. A recent USDA report found that over 10% of U.S. households were food insecure in 2021. This reality reinforces the need for stronger local and federal support systems to alleviate hunger and sustain communities.

It’s crucial to stand together during these tough times, making sure no one goes hungry, particularly our vulnerable populations—especially children. These are not just statistics; they represent real lives, and the community’s commitment is more important than ever.

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