Charlotte-based Nourish Up is just one of many pantries struggling to meet rising demand with diminishing resources as federal funding continues to disappear.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For families like Hazel Balkum’s, food pantries are a lifeline. The bags she receives today mean her granddaughter has something to eat tonight.
“Everything is so high, it’s difficult making ends meet,” Balkum said. “These places provide fruits, veggies, and healthy drinks for the families to have. If you take this away, what kind of options are they going to have to feed their children?”
Food pantries stand as the final barrier against hunger for many Americans, but their shelves tell a different story — one of growing uncertainty.
“We were already experiencing record-breaking highs,” Tina Postel, CEO of Nourish Up, said. “It’s an absolutely devastating time for families who are trying to make ends meet.”
Nourish Up is just one of many pantries struggling to meet rising demand with diminishing resources as federal funding continues to disappear.
“Second Harvest Food Bank sent out an email to all of its partners just last week saying The Emergency Food Assistance Program funding has been cut by 50%. That means that produce, eggs, and frozen meat have been canceled,” Postel said.
Postel said they’re attempting to compensate through private funding and anticipate needing approximately $250,000 to offset the cuts.
“Healthy food should not be a luxury,” Postel said.
Local pantries are urging community members to become part of the solution. Those interested in contributing can visit Nourish Up’s Farm to Table program or donate to Hearts and Hands Food Pantry through their online donation portal.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
