1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

The USDA's decision to cancel $11 million in federal funding for North Carolina food banks will have a devastating impact on efforts to address food insecurity in our state. This funding was crucial for purchasing fresh, locally-sourced produce from farmers and distributing it to communities in need across 34 counties served by the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina alone. With hunger steadily increasing in recent years, cutting off this vital funding stream will only exacerbate the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in accessing nutritious food. The consequences of this decision will be felt not only by those experiencing food insecurity but also by local farmers who rely on these programs to sell their crops. I urge you to take immediate action to reinstate this funding and prioritize supporting food banks and local agriculture. Ensuring access to fresh, healthy food should be a fundamental priority for our state and nation. By restoring this program, we can continue to address food insecurity while simultaneously bolstering our agricultural economy and fostering stronger, more resilient communities.