March 2025 was our 2nd Annual Advocacy Action Month!

The purpose: to provide a strategic platform for our network of food banks and pantries to use our collective power to take action in the fight against hunger!

This Advocacy Action Month (AAM), we participated in 3 initiatives:

1. Feeding America’s Annual Fly-in to D.C.
2. Feeding the Carolinas (FTC) South Carolina State Advocacy Day (Columbia, SC)
3. FTC’s North Carolina State Advocacy Day (Raleigh, NC)

Feeding America’s Annual Fly-in | Washington D.C.

10 advocates from across our network met in D.C.! Together, they participated in 20 different meetings with lawmakers from North & South Carolina.

On top of meetings with legislators, we participated in trainings and other networking opportunities, alongside other Feeding America advocates from across the country. Advocates were rallied and prepared ahead of meetings by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Democratic Leader of the Senate Agriculture Committee, entrusted with developing a bipartisan Farm Bill.

FTC’s South Carolina State Advocacy Day | Columbia, SC

8 of our network advocates met with 9 different state legislators in March. Those 9 legislators represent 18 counties that our food banks serve in South Carolina.

Together, we were able to share about how the strength of our network supported the state’s Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. We were able to share how economic conditions, alongside Helene recovery, are causing the number of folks we serve at our food banks and pantries to rise, AND what tools we utilize to help feed people.

FTC’s North Carolina State Advocacy Day | Raleigh, NC

12 food bank advocates from across North Carolina met with legislators
41 meetings were completed, representing 49 counties!
As part of our advocacy day, and in partnership with the Retail Merchants Association of NC (RMA), Sen. Kevin Corbin hosted a press conference to highlight our network. Again, we emphasized the work of our team in the face of Hurricane Helene and advocated for essential resources that help us meet demand come rain or shine. During the presentation, RMA presented us with a gift of $50,000 for our North Carolina food banks, for which we are very grateful.

Overall, an outstanding demonstration of collaboration and partnership!