Summary

The USDA has canceled $11 million in funding for North Carolina food banks through the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program.

The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, one of seven affected food banks, was set to receive $2 million.

CEO Amy Beros urged officials to reconsider, highlighting the economic impact on farmers and rising food insecurity.

The nonprofit is now seeking state funding to offset the loss. Hunger has been increasing in the 34 counties the organization serves.

  • blazeknave@lemmy.world
    4·
    2 days ago

    I volunteer for ours, doing deliveries. I bring my son to show him kindness, and the look on a person’s face when you feed them, when they can’t feed themselves. I think about the dollar value of my time as an exec doing it, also what it would cost to pay people a regular delivery driver wage… the amount of sum total hours and financial donations that go into every bag of groceries I deliver. I despise that with all the money in govt and capitalism, we even need to volunteer this. But also, I realize how huge an operation it is, and how incredible the NGO machine functions on free human labor fuel. The amount of food they just took from the mouths of families and children… I’m sitting here in tears reading this.

    • nkat2112@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      2·
      2 days ago

      You are the hero we do not deserve - and you and your family. Thank you for being who you are and for what you do. I was deeply moved by your comment and I’m in full agreement with your views.

      • blazeknave@lemmy.world
        1·
        9 hours ago

        Awwww thanks - I don’t think I’m evil, but I’m definitely a kind, not nice, type of guy. I’m from Brooklyn so I even sound like a dick while being helpful. (E.g. “wtfs a matta w you? 34th St is right there after 33rd… lemme carry those bags and help walk you there you fucking jackass!”) So if an asshole like me can be a do gooder, it proves anyone can help! Lol - tbh it also helps me chill - my ADHD makes me rush everywhere driving for optimization, but in a Buddhist way, this forces you to appreciate the journey and not focus on the destination. Also, it’s like my owner taking me by the scruff and forcing me to smell goodness in the world, when it’s easy to feel like there is none these days. It’s actually everywhere. It stays with you afterwards. I just had to picture one face lighting up when they open the door, and I start choking up.

        It’s also an easy win and low barrier to entry, just need a whip and half a tank. I personally can go an entire weekend without leaving the house. Now I anchor my Saturday around this one thing that brings me joy helping others - and it kinda begets more positivity like early morning hikes, acupuncture, 7am nutritionist appointments, slow lunches at the diner counter bullshitting with strangers, etc