North Carolina, Tepper Foundation among top providers of $18 million to state’s food banks as SNAP benefit suspension looms

RALEIGH and CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The state government and the Tepper Foundation are leading North Carolina organizations in giving nearly $18 million to food banks amid the government shutdown and looming suspension of SNAP benefits.

The state will grant $10 million to food banks across North Carolina, Gov. Josh Stein announced Tuesday. They’re joined by AmeriHealth Caritas, which will give $5 million, the David & Nicole Tepper Foundation, which will accelerate $2.5 million from a previously announced $10 million gift, and other donors. 

The announcements come as food banks prepare for an influx of need following the U.S. Department of Agriculture decision to suspend the SNAP program Nov. 1. 

“With the help of generous partners, North Carolina is taking action to keep families fed,” said Stein. “Shoring up our state’s food banks will serve as a critical, but fleeting, lifeline for families in need, and I hope other North Carolina organizations will also step up in this time of need. Whether it’s paying our military, ensuring no child goes hungry, or lowering health care costs, leaders in Washington need to come together immediately to find a bipartisan solution that provides long-term stability for millions of Americans.”    

“We care deeply about the Carolinas and want to support our communities, especially in times of urgent need,” said David and Nicole Tepper, owners of the Panthers and Charlotte FC. “Every family deserves access to food and basic needs, yet food insecurity is a daily reality for millions. We’re proud to support food banks across the Carolinas in this ongoing fight.” 

“We believe access to healthy food is fundamental to good health,” says Heidi Chan, AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina market president. “In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our multiyear investment in MANNA’s food nutrition network demonstrates our commitment to helping ensure reliable access to nutritious food.”  

Here is the full list of food bank gifts: 

• State of North Carolina: $10 million to North Carolina’s food banks
• AmeriHealth Caritas: $5 million
• David & Nicole Tepper Foundation: Acceleration of more than $2.5 million to food banks across the Carolinas.
• Duke Energy Foundation: $100,000
• Bank of America: $100,000
• Delaware North and Catawba Two Kings Casino: $50,000
• Nucor Steel: $50,000
• UNC Health Foundation & UNC Horizons: $30,000
• The Fresh Market: $25,000
• Eastern Ministerial Alliance: $20,000
• Smithfield Foods: $20,000
• AdventHealth: $19,000
• Compare Foods: $10,000
• Lending Tree: $7,500
• Smart Food Foundation: 10,000 pounds of food 

All residents should continue to apply for SNAP benefits and submit renewal paperwork on time. County social services offices remain open and are processing all applications to prevent a backlog when funding is restored.