Local food bank credits community response for help during challenging times

Christopher DeWitt

IMG_20251029_133528892_HDR_AE.jpgVolunteers prepare boxes of food for senior residents in Wake County at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (Chris DeWitt photo)

As the federal government shutdown continues, operations for many services and programs Americans use daily have been hindered. One of those programs is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As of right now, SNAP benefits will not go out on their scheduled date of November 1 if the government does not re-open.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced on October 27 that the 1.4 million North Carolina residents who use SNAP benefitswill be affected. That number includes people right here in Wake County. The delay of SNAP benefits will affect individuals and families, but also organizations dedicated to serving people in need of food assistance.The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is an example of such an organization that is navigating this current season of uncertainty. “These continue to be unprecedented times,” said Amy Beros, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. “We’re doing everything we can to help meet the increased need. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to fill the gap left by SNAP. For every one meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine.”

The looming suspension of SNAP benefits threatens to ripple through local communities, affecting not only families who rely on the program but also grocery stores, farmers and food producers who benefit from its economic impact. To prepare, the food bank has been bolstering its own reserves and expanding outreach.

“We’re increasing our food purchase and operational reserves so we can get more food into our communities,” Beros said. “We’re also holding pop-up markets for federal employees who have missed paychecks, many of whom are seeking food assistance for the first time.”

The rising demand comes as the region faces steep economic pressures. Two years ago, about 450,000 people across the food bank’s 34-county service area were facing hunger. Today, that number has climbed to more than 600,000.

“The cost of living, from healthcare to housing to food, keeps rising, and families simply can’t make ends meet,” Beros explained. “At the same time, we’ve seen cuts to both federal and state funding since January. The need is rising while our resources are shrinking. It’s pretty dire right now.”

Despite these challenges, community support remains a crucial lifeline for the food bank. The food bank is calling on residents to help however they can, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy. The organization operates six branches across central and eastern North Carolina and hosts pop-up markets and partners with churches and other local partners to provide food to those who need it.

“We’re asking people to give their time, their resources and their voice,” Beros said. “This is a moment when community action truly matters.”

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, visit https://foodbankcenc.org/find-food-resources.

IMG_20251029_134856702_HDR_AE.jpgfrom left to right: Sadie Fuentes (Volunteer Engagement Manager), Zach Perry (Administrative/Volunteer Associate), Amy Beros (President and CEO), Marco Rodriguez (Director of Volunteer Engagement), Imade Borha (Director of External Comm. & Engagement in Comm.), Tony Edwards (Volunteer Coordinator) (Chris DeWitt photo)

Christopher DeWitt is a journalist based in Raleigh, NC with seven years of experience covering local news in Wake, Duplin, and Onslow Counties. He holds a BS in Psychology from Regent University. He got his start writing for a U.S. Marine Corps newspaper, The Globe, in Camp Lejeune, NC, in 2017 to 2019. He then began freelancing for The Duplin Times in 2021 covering issues ranging from features on local leaders to community-wide events. His passion for community journalism brought him to Crossmap Raleigh in 2025. He strives to ensure every voice in Wake County is heard.