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From Ashton C. Tippins
Executive Director
You may have seen recent news about federal funding cuts and be wondering what their potential effects could be for local nonprofits, farmers, and most importantly, the children and families TABLE serves.
At TABLE, we believe every child deserves access to fresh, healthy food. That’s why we provide 1,100 kids with the nourishment they need to to stay healthy, active, and energized each day – but ensuring kids have enough to eat takes a collective effort.
In North Carolina, $11 million in aid to food banks has been cut, including $2 million to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC. Additionally, $19 million in school funding for purchasing fresh food from local farmers, ranchers, and producers has been eliminated.
How will these changes impact TABLE?
TABLE relies on strong partnerships with local farmers and our food bank to ensure the children we serve receive the fresh food they need. The federal funding cuts will strain these resources, making it harder for schools and food banks to buy locally grown produce and directly impacting the partners we depend on to feed our community’s kids.
We hear stories every day from our families about the impact fresh fruit and veggies have on their children and how grateful they are for our support. One parent recently told us…
“TABLE has aided in our ability to have access to more fruits and vegetables and at a great level of variety. Fruits and vegetables can be very expensive, and it is a very tough decision to not choose healthy food because you can’t afford it.”
I wish I could say exactly how these federal funding cuts will impact TABLE, our partners, and the children we serve, but it’s too early to know. What we do know is that we will remain committed to our mission – working with our local farmers, food banks, and community partners to navigate these challenges.
How can you help?
With federal funding cuts limiting available resources, our community’s support is more important than ever. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:
- Donate to your local food bank or food pantry – support our partners by donating to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC or to TABLE. Your support will help to ensure we can continue providing healthy, fresh food to those who need it most.
- Advocate for access to healthy food – use your social media channels – and follow TABLE – to raise awareness and support policies that protect funding for nutrition programs for children. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
- Volunteer your time – whether it’s at TABLE, another hunger-relief organization, or the food bank, your time makes a direct impact on local children and families in need.
By working together, we will find creative solutions to ensure every child we serve continues receiving the fresh, healthy food they deserve.
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