In Triad, North Carolina, food banks are preparing for a sharp rise in demand as federal funding for food assistance programs hangs in the balance. Second Harvest Food Bank is ramping up its efforts to support families during this challenging time, made even tougher by the ongoing government shutdown.
Inside the Second Harvest warehouse, volunteers are busy filling boxes with canned goods. This food bank serves 18 counties, providing nearly 40 million meals each year through over 300 partner pantries. However, delayed federal programs like SNAP and WIC are pushing more families to seek help.
“Right now, one in five children and one in six people overall face food insecurity,” says Eric Aft, CEO of Second Harvest. “With the shutdown, those numbers could worsen.” Currently, many families, especially children, seniors, veterans, and low-income households, are struggling for basic meals.
Second Harvest is also facing its own challenges. They are losing significant funding, such as $2 million in spring farmer purchases and a potential $1 million cut in state support. In addition, they have lost nearly a million pounds of food resources.
In response to the crisis, Second Harvest is doubling its meal distribution. They plan to deliver 30,000 boxes to families affected by the shutdown. The need is urgent, with over 85,000 people turning to Second Harvest in September—a significant increase from 68,000 two years ago. Many of these individuals are federal employees who never expected to rely on assistance.
“The decisions being made at the government level have real effects on people’s lives,” Aft stresses. “The stress on families just trying to put food on the table is immense.”
To cope with the increasing demand, Second Harvest is using reserve funds to invest $500,000 in purchasing more food and assembling meal boxes. They are also calling on the community for donations, virtual food drives, and volunteer help. This situation highlights just how fragile food security can be, and local leaders hope it will prompt Congress to take swift action to stabilize the aid system.
According to a report by Feeding America, food insecurity affects 10.5% of U.S. households, a situation exacerbated during situations like government shutdowns. The need for local food banks, especially in times of governmental instability, cannot be overstated.
As families navigate these uncertain times, support from community members and organizations can make a significant difference. The focus now is not just on immediate relief but also on long-term solutions that address the root causes of food insecurity.
