Over the past week, the Food Bank of the Albemarle has seen an incredible amount of support and activity including pop-up distributions, food drives, and donations.
Demand for food assistance has surged with increases of 35-50% in need with our hunger-relief partners, and a 42% increase at our Neighborhood Food Pantry this year.
In response to the uncertainty of SNAP benefits and the on-going government shutdown, our community, foundation partners, and the Governor’s office have stepped up in a big way to help us meet urgent needs. SNAP benefits are being distributed in November, but in reduced amounts, and delays are expected in disbursements.
SNAP remains the most effective tool in fighting hunger- in fact, SNAP provides 9 meals for every meal that a food bank can provide.
We’re here for the community. If you need food, please use our Food Locator Tool on our website to find the food distribution closest to you. Contact your representatives and advocate for programs like SNAP that our neighbors rely on. Give a monetary donation so that we can continue distributions and ensure everyone has enough to eat.
📦 What We’re Doing
- A pop-up distribution was held this week at the Chief Petty Officers Association in Elizabeth City to support federal workers impacted by the Government Shutdown. This distribution served 25+ households with food and resources.
- The Food Bank’s Neighborhood Hub food pantry saw a 200-household increase in October over September. This year we’ve seen an increase of 42% of neighbors in need of food assistance.
- Our hunger-relief partners have reported a 35%-50% increase in assistance requests over the past 10 days.
- Upcoming: We have a special distribution in Colerain (Hertford County) on Nov 13 in partnership with Perdue will serve an estimated 250 households.
🤝 Community Engagement & Advocacy
- Andy & Karin Montero, owners of Montero’s Restaurant launched a donation challenge—he and Karin will match the first $2,000. Help Share the Post on Facebook. You can Donate Here.
- We met with Congressman Don Davis this week to discuss the SNAP delay and the broader impact of the government shutdown. Currently, only a reduced portion of SNAP benefits are being distributed.
- Your voice matters! Click here to join a sign-on letter and let your representatives in North Carolina know that SNAP is a vital resource for our neighbors, and needs to be fully funded. Visit our Advocacy page to contact your representative.
🚚 Ways to Give
- Follow our new Facebook Page, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- We’ve received more than 30 requests for Food & Fund drives just this past week! That is above and beyond what we typically see this time of year, it’s so amazing to see the community stepping up to help. Want to start your Food & Fund Drive? Click Here.
- On November 12, 19, & 26 – you can drop off any food or funds collected at the Food Bank between 9 am – 3 pm during our ‘Fill the Food Bank’ Food & Fund Drive.
- Save the date: Mayflower Marathon Food Drive at the Northern Outer Banks Welcome Center– November 21 & 22! We are participating for our 3rd year in this HUGE food & fund drive. You can drop off donations of food (frozen turkeys, canned goods, pasta, etc), cash, check, or mobile pay. We’ll have Mayflower t-shirts for ’25 for donations of $25 each- while supplies last!
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors. Please continue to DONATE. ADVOCATE. & VOLUNTEER.
