RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina families have extreme concerns about feeding their families.
“It’s very unfortunate with three kids and a little brother that I take care of, it’s really unfortunate for us,” said a Wake County Mom.
One Raleigh mom, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps her, along with her regular work, to provide for her family.
It’s a story that the Vice President of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, Jason Kanawati Stephany, hears on a daily basis.
“This is a scary time for so many families, and that’s not a Halloween joke. People are very worried about whether or not they’re going to be able to feed their families,” said Stephany.
He said 600,000 people in our region depend on SNAP benefits for fresh produce, protein, and dairy products. Despite the federal government being shut down, he says there are funds available to keep programs like SNAP running.
“These funds were already there for this exact kind of emergency to keep SNAP going, and yet the federal government said they were refusing to release those funds,” said Stephany.
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson issued the following statement today on his lawsuit against USDA:
“Great news: In the lawsuit we filed, a federal court just ruled that the Agriculture Department acted unlawfully by refusing to use its emergency fund to make SNAP payments. It has until Monday to deliver a plan to pay benefits. We’re not finished, but this is a major step toward making sure 16 million kids don’t go hungry,” said Jackson.
In the meantime, food banks across the state said they’re ready to serve.
“Food is available to all who need it. Our hunger relief network is here for you. If you need support, we want you to come access those resources,” said Stephany.
You can visit the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC website to enter your zip code to find a food pantry near you. You can also visit there to donate.
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