OUR SHARED MISSION
End Hunger in the Carolinas
As the year comes to a close, we invite you to join us in rallying around communities across North and South Carolina who continue to face hunger every day. From disaster-impacted regions that are still recovering from storms to the unpredictability and distress caused by the government shutdown, our network of ten Food Banks is working harder than ever to ensure no one is overlooked. That’s why this holiday season, we’re focused on amplifying the incredible work happening in Food Banks and food pantries across the Carolinas. When you give, you’re helping to fill more than just plates—you’re fueling a collective effort and restoring hope, health, and stability for neighbors who need it most in the Carolinas.
OUR MEMBER FOOD BANKS
The Need and Impact in Our Network
In times of crisis, Food Banks rise to the challenge to feed our neighbors. One year ago, we were all pulling together to respond to the crisis that defined our lives in the Carolinas, Hurricane Helene. Now, we are responding to a new crisis, sharply rising hunger in the Carolinas as a result of the federal government shutdown—the longest in American history. The lines at Food Banks and food pantries across the Carolinas are long. The phones are ringing nonstop as people scramble to find a way to feed their families. And Food Banks are rising to meet the challenge. Together, our member Food Banks set the standard for resiliency, no matter the challenge.
FOOD BANK OF THE ALBERMARLE
Ella’s Story
“When I was out of work, we relied on SNAP (food stamps),” Ella says. “The benefit wasn’t enough to feed our family of four, so we really appreciate being able to come to the food pantry. Now that I’m working, SNAP still helps, but as my income goes up, our benefits go down. It (SNAP) fills in the gaps through the weeks when we don’t have much food left. The amount we received wasn’t feeding us through the month. My rent is increasing and my SNAP benefits are dropping lower. Even though I’m working more, it still just seems like we can never get ahead. I still have to pay bills. I do what I can. If I get a couple extra dollars and can put food in the house that’s great, but the food pantry is a great resource and helps fill in the gaps. I work every day, just trying to get by. We really do appreciate the Food Pantry.”
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF SOUTHEAST NC
The Need is Growing
In light of the recent increase in neighbors needing food assistance, Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina is doing their best to keep up with the demand. “We are incredibly grateful for all the donations we have received so far, as well as all those organizations and neighbors hosting food drives. We banded together with our NC Food Bank partners to call on elected officials to end the government shutdown and fully fund food and nutrition programs. While we advocate, there is the urgent need for donations. In southeast North Carolina, the food insecurity rate stands at 19%, much higher than the state average of 15.4%. That’s one in five households struggling to put enough food on the table. Yet due to federal and state cuts throughout 2025, the shelves that once held essential supplies are empty. Pallets that typically filled the warehouse are gone, and even the refrigerated storage stands nearly bare. This shortage directly affects the 88,000 individuals that we serve each month, leaving us to consider the sustainability of serving so many without the full support they rely on.”
LOWCOUNTRY FOOD BANK
Meet Mack
Mack served our country for four years and is currently a full-time college student. His Veterans benefits and part-time work do not cover his expenses for school, rent, utilities, his 15-year-old car—much less food. He was so thankful when he heard about one of Lowcountry Food Bank’s partner agencies that can give him access to healthy food and ease his food insecurity. With a huge smile on his face, he said, “I was able to eat whole wheat pasta with canned chicken on top.” Not only was it good but his stomach was not growling during class. “Thank you for helping those like me, who just need a hand up.” The impact of a meal goes far beyond feeding our bodies—food can open endless possibilities for neighbors to thrive throughout the Lowcountry. When neighbors are fed, futures are nourished!
OUR COLLECTIVE MILESTONES
Motivation for the Days Ahead
“Through milestones and challenges, our association of Food Banks remains dedicated to supporting one another. We know it will take all of us to make sure everyone in the Carolinas can eat, even when times are tough.”
–Eric A. Aft, Board Chair, CEO | Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC
MORE PRODUCE
Our Farm to Food Bank program continues to flourish, breaking records every year in the volume and variety of produce sourced within the Carolinas for our member Food Banks. Last year, we sourced over 78 million pounds of produce—securing our place as the second-largest source of fresh, local produce in the Feeding America network!
MORE DISASTER SUPPORT
Feeding the Carolinas leveraged more than $16 million in direct financial support to our member Food Banks in FY25. These funds included $6.75 million for Food Banks and partner organizations recovering from Hurricane Helene.
MORE VOICES
This year, we coordinated the largest advocacy campaign in FTC’s history in opposition to the steep cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in H.R. 1, a.k.a. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” FTC and our member Food Banks spoke up and educated lawmakers in North and South Carolina about the impacts of the federal government shutdown on our neighbors, helping to leverage action and support from state leaders.
TEN FOOD BANKS, ONE MISSION
Together, We Nourish the Carolinas
When you give to Feeding the Carolinas, you’re fueling a coordinated network of ten Food Banks working across North and South Carolina. Your gift strengthens the entire system—getting more food, faster, to the communities that need it most. Want to support your local Food Bank directly? We encourage that too. Whether you give to the network or to your closest Food Bank, your generosity makes a difference. It’s the power of community that carries us forward.
Donate
Volunteer
INTER-FAITH FOOD SHUTTLE
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF NORTHWEST NC
FOOD BANK OF CENTRAL & EASTERN NC
MANNA FOOD BANK
FOOD BANK OF THE ALBEMARLE
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF SOUTHEAST NC
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF METROLINA
GOLDEN HARVEST FOOD BANK
HARVEST HOPE FOOD BANK
LOWCOUNTRY FOOD BANK
