A "disaster of a different kind" — food banks work to meet rising demand amid SNAP suspension
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"It's a disaster of a different kind," Kay Carter, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina CEO, told reporters Wednesday at a press conference about suspended Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Why it matters: SNAP benefits, commonly called food stamps, have been delayed by the ongoing federal government shutdown, and food banks are scrambling to meet the demand.
- Approximately 138,500 people in Mecklenburg County have not received their November SNAP benefits.
The latest: President Trump said food benefits will only get paid once the shutdown ends, in a post on Truth Social Tuesday morning. This appears to defy two federal courts that ruled last week the White House must pay at least partial SNAP benefits even in a shutdown, Axios' Emily Peck reported.
- Families nationwide are trying to plan around the uncertainty of the future of SNAP payments. Some are weighing whether to go to work or stand in line at a local food bank, or whether to pay rent or buy groceries.
Zoom out: Carter has been the Second Harvest of Metrolina CEO for more than 20 years. She has led the organization through the Great Recession, the pandemic, Hurricane Helene and now frozen SNAP funding.
- "There is no food bank in America that can replace SNAP benefits," Carter said.
- This sentiment has been echoed across the nation, as SNAP benefits provide nine meals for every one meal provided by a food bank.
State of play: Second Harvest is rolling out additional emergency food boxes. This is the fastest way to serve a lot of people in need, Carter said.
- Second Harvest will send more than 20 tractor-trailers filled with about 2,000 boxes each across the 24 counties it serves.
- This month, Second Harvest plans to deliver boxes to Crisis Assistance Ministry, Nourish Up (their largest emergency pantry partner in the county), smaller Mecklenburg County food pantries, partners across the county, and school mobile pantry boxes next week.
- On Nov. 12, the organization will also host a packing event with 500 volunteers from different organizations, including the Carolina Panthers and Atrium Health.
- "Boxes alone can't do the job," Carter says, adding that they hope to distribute fresh produce, dairy, meat and pet food in mid-November.
By the numbers: Each tractor-trailer load costs roughly $40,000, according to Carter, meaning 20 tractor-trailer loads will cost around $800,000. Carter is asking for people to donate funds to help them purchase food to meet the rising need.
- Second Harvest of Metrolina's annual budget is roughly $20 million to $25 million, Carter said. By comparison, Mecklenburg County would typically see $24 million per month in SNAP benefits (roughly $175 per person) distributed each month.
Zoom in: Protein is a key need, along with low-sodium or no salt-added vegetables, grains, cereals, pasta and other shelf-stable items. Diapers and pet food are other key needs.
- Food items, such as oatmeal, must include an ingredients list for Second Harvest to include them in food boxes.
Between the lines: November and December always bring a higher need for the food bank. Suspended SNAP benefits have added to that need.
- Second Harvest will still distribute holiday boxes, turkeys and hams.
- There is traditionally a surge in volunteers during the holidays as well.
- Find out how to volunteer with Second Harvest here. Reach out to [email protected] for details about remote volunteer projects.
- You can also host a fundraiser or food drive.
What's next: Second Harvest will host a food drive at its main branch (500 B Spratt St. near Camp North End) on Nov. 14 from 8am-6pm.
Go deeper: Where to get free food and help in Charlotte during the government shutdown