Due to the government shutdown, SNAP benefits were not distributed on November 1, leading to food insecurity for many of our neighbors and communities. More than 85,000 people in Guilford County depend on SNAP benefits to be able to adequately feed and support their families. Due to the delay and reduction of SNAP funds, our communities are facing a food and affordability crisis.
In the face of these challenges, we are heartened to see how our communities are mobilizing and organizing to help fill in the gaps. Community members are donating food and money and volunteering their time; food banks are tirelessly working to meet the growing demand; Guilford County launched OneGuilford: Support Our Pantries, an initiative that is supporting local food assistance efforts, resource awareness, and more! In addition, the Greater High Point Food Alliance launched the Fill the Gap Campaign to raise funds to support local food pantries and organizations providing meals to families, children, and seniors. And our governor’s office and foundations statewide are providing millions of dollars in financial assistance.
This moment calls for our community to join together and support our neighbors. We join our community members in taking action – Cone Health Foundation has distributed $67,000 to 10 community-based organizations that support food access needs in Guilford County.
For anyone seeking food assistance at this moment, we encourage you to use the Greater Guilford Food Finder website to identify resources near you.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina ($20,000)
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina moves between 35 and 40 tons of food daily through its warehouses and out to a network of nearly 500 partner programs. Their support includes assistance to 103 programs in Guilford County. Many of these partners rely on Second Harvest for the majority of the food they distribute to their communities.
A Simple Gesture ($7,000)
A Simple Gesture engages the community to provide a sustainable supply of food to local food pantries in Guilford County. In addition to collecting nonperishable items, they also recover excess perishable food for use by local nonprofits and community meal programs. They also ensure students and families have access to nutritious food in Guilford County Schools through the SHARE program.
One Step Further ($7,000)
One Step Furter’s Community Support & Nutrition Program (CSNP) addresses the critical issue of food hardship in Guilford County. The program aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing grocery assistance along with educational and informative nutrition support services.
Out of the Garden Project ($7,000)
Out of the Garden Project provides fresh and nonperishable groceries to families through the following programs:
- Free mobile food pantries distribute fresh produce, bread, meat, and shelf-stable items when available. Each market typically serves an average of 425 people, but demand has recently increased significantly. During the first week of November, seven Guilford County markets served a total of 4,445 people. They have more markets planned for the next few weeks.
- In collaboration with Guilford County Schools, Out of the Garden Project currently provides food to students and their families every Friday to take home for the weekend. Each meal bag contains 6 to 8 pounds of nonperishable food—enough for two meals for a family of four.
Backpack Beginnings ($7,000)
Backpack Beginnings connects children and their families to essential resources that support their ability to thrive, including access to healthy food and necessities. Their food programs include:
- Kid/Family bags: Distributed through schools, healthcare organizations, and partner agencies to ensure children with the greatest need have direct access to food
- Family Market: A dignity of choice, “one-stop” shopping experience where parents and children select their basic needs at no cost in a retail-like, welcoming environment.
- Snack Pantry: In partnership with the Teacher Supply Warehouse, this program provides free snacks for classrooms to support student learning and well-being.
- Soup Kitchen Program – Prepares ready-to-heat, nutritious meals for their Family Market in partnerships with Second Harvest Food Bank and First Baptist Church.
The Corner Market ($5,000)
The Corner Market offers a program called Green for Greens that matches up to $50 per week of the food budget for customers who receive SNAP benefits. In response to the government shutdown, the market distributed $75 in market tokens to all SNAP customers, regardless of the balance on their SNAP account.
Greensboro Curb Farmers Market ($5,000)
Greensboro Curb Farmers Market participates in the SNAP/EBT token distribution program, available on Saturdays and Wednesdays (April through October) during market hours. Through GFM’s SNAP Food Security Program, SNAP beneficiaries can receive up to a $15 match in funds. Additionally, Orange Card holders can receive $10 in market tokens to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Due to the government shutdown, the market decided to provide $80 in SNAP/EBT tokens for each cardholder. For two Saturdays in a row, the market distributed $10,000 worth of tokens to make up for the loss of SNAP benefits.
Mt. Olivet AME Zion Church Outreach ($3,000)
Mt. Olivet AME Zion Church is located in East Greensboro serving Cottage Grove, Willow Oaks and the McConnell Road area. The food pantry allows families to drive by and pick up food bags of perishable and non- perishable food items once a month.
Elim Christian Fellowship ($3,000)
Elim provides essential nourishment to those in need, reducing food insecurity within their community. They provide a reliable source of groceries, ensuring families and individuals have access to healthy meals, because they believe everyone deserves to eat.
New Zion Missionary Baptist Church ($3,000)
The mission of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church provides access to healthy eating options for families in need.
To find food close to you, check out the following resources:
- Greater Guilford Food Finder
- NC 211, dial 211 or visit nc211.org
- OneGuilford: Support our Pantries
