As the number of North Carolinians facing food insecurity continues to grow, state officials are taking action. Governor Josh Stein has declared September as Hunger Action Month, a move highlighting the urgent need to address hunger issues across the state. This proclamation comes in the wake of challenges posed by H.R. 1 to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), affecting more than 1.7 million residents, including over 504,000 children.
“As grocery bills continue to rise, hunger affects more and more North Carolinians,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Hunger Action Month reminds us to continue our work to not let anyone go hungry and to commend the essential work of the people who help folks put food on the table in North Carolina.”
Food banks play a vital role in combatting hunger in North Carolina. The Feeding the Carolinas network, consisting of seven regional food banks, provided 250 million meals in the past year. In response to these efforts, Governor Stein has allocated more than $9 million in the state budget to support these food banks, also benefiting local farmers. Additionally, during the federal government shutdown in November 2025, Stein successfully mobilized $22 million from public and private partners to assist food banks statewide.
Protecting SNAP Across North Carolina
Governor Stein is working diligently to safeguard SNAP benefits for North Carolinians as H.R. 1 threatens to shift substantial costs to states and counties. With nearly 1.25 million residents relying on SNAP, including children, veterans, and the elderly, any disruption could have severe consequences.
Under H.R. 1, from October 1, 2026, North Carolina will have to absorb an additional $85 million annually to cover SNAP administrative costs. By October 1, 2027, the federal government will no longer fully fund SNAP benefits, and North Carolina might have to contribute up to 15% of the benefit costs, potentially adding $140 million to the state’s expenses annually.
Governor Stein has advocated for delaying these changes, successfully urging the General Assembly to boost funding for administrative costs and enhance state automation to reduce SNAP payment errors. However, his proposal to support county departments in managing increased workloads remains unaddressed.
Efforts by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) have already reduced the state’s payment error rate, saving $280 million in potential penalties for 2027.
Keeping Children Fed
In North Carolina, one in five children experiences food insecurity. To combat this, Governor Stein signed a state budget ensuring full funding for the SUN Bucks program for summer 2027. This initiative provides necessary groceries for over a million children during school breaks. The program operates with a 25:1 return on investment, leveraging state funds to secure $25 from the federal government for each dollar spent, ultimately generating about $125 million annually for children’s nutrition.
Click here to read Governor Stein’s proclamation declaring Hunger Action Month.
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