Particularly after recent cuts to SNAP, food banks in Chatham and Orange counties face a tough challenge. Many families now rely on these nonprofits, which are struggling to meet the rising demand. This was a key point during a recent community discussion.
Melissa Driver Beard, Executive Director of CORA (Chatham Outreach Alliance), shared that her organization never turns anyone away. However, since the SNAP cuts began, their daily visitors have more than doubled at their locations in Pittsboro and Siler City.
CORA is currently managing to provide food, but Beard expressed concern about sustainability. “We’re looking at years of needing to adapt and prepare for the future,” she said. She emphasized that the organization is not just facing an emergency; they are planning for long-term support.
In October, a federal government shutdown exacerbated food insecurity issues across the nation. Local food banks felt these funding cuts all year, seeing a significant impact on their operations. For instance, the USDA cut over $1 billion in food assistance from two key programs, leaving organizations like CORA with a deficit of more than $300,000 worth of food supplies.
Erin Riney, Executive Director of PORCH, noted that food banks must rethink their strategies due to the unpredictability of federal support. “We can’t rely on past systems; we must build new infrastructures to meet the growing demand,” she said.
Nonprofits like CORA and TABLE urgently need more sustained funding to continue their work. Riney explained the importance of community support, not only through small donations but larger, more impactful gifts as well. “The difference between smaller and larger contributions is huge for us,” Riney emphasized.
Suzanne Tormollen from TABLE noted that the need for assistance is rising. They are currently feeding about 1,200 children weekly, with 300 more on their waitlist. “Each year it costs around $1,500 to feed one child for a year, and we need that funding to keep up the quality of food we provide,” she shared.
Experts agree that tackling hunger requires both community involvement and political action. Driver Beard believes change is possible if there’s a will to address it effectively. The local community’s role stands crucial now more than ever.
As we reflect on the current landscape, it’s clear: the challenges that food banks face are not going away anytime soon. Engaging with these organizations and considering even small contributions can lead to significant changes for many families. Understanding the urgency can inspire community action, ensuring that food insecurity is addressed seriously moving forward.
For a deeper look into the statistics surrounding food insecurity, you might find this USDA report insightful.
In summary, while local food banks shift into a new era, they need our help to build reliable support systems. Every bit counts in the fight against hunger.
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