Catholic Charities anticipates a greater need for food assistance now that SNAP benefits issued to people experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic ended Feb. 28. (Troy Hull | Catholic News Herald)CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities is bracing for increased demand at its food pantries across the diocese, as the temporary boost in federal emergency food benefits during the pandemic ended Tuesday.
Thousands of North Carolinians – and millions of people nationally – will have less money to spend on food as their pandemic benefits expire, at a time when food prices are spiking due to record inflation.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will continue to provide benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families, but households will see their monthly account balances drop by at least $95, with some seeing a reduction of $250 or more.
“For many families, the ability to feed loved ones just got harder with this reduction,” says Dr. Gerard Carter, executive director and CEO of Catholic Charities. “As a result, we are working overtime to stock the shelves of our food pantries and appeal to our parishioners and the community for financial support and food donations.”
Catholic Charities operates food pantries in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem, which last year served more than 15,600 people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The pantries provide fresh meat, dairy products and non-perishable food items to help families stretch their food supply.
North Carolina SNAP recipients who were eligible received an average of 15% more in monthly benefits from January 2021 through February 2023, to help them get through the job losses and economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just as consumers are spending more on food, Carter says, so too are charitable organizations.
Catholic Charities also is collecting and distributing non-food items that aren’t covered under the SNAP program, such as laundry detergent, pet food, toiletries, paper products, hygiene items and household supplies.
Carter said supporters of Catholic Charities have responded to calls for help again and again throughout the pandemic as demand for food pantry services rose by 39% from 2020 to 2022 – and he believes they won’t stop now.
“The Catholic Charities food pantries are one source locally to assist struggling families in meeting their basic needs,” Carter said. “We are deeply grateful to all of our donors who help us respond to this basic human need, by feeding those who are hungry.”
— SueAnn Howell
How you can help
How you can helpFood donations needed now: Non-perishable items including rice, beans, spaghetti sauce, pasta, canned chicken or tuna, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, macaroni and cheese, and juice, tea and coffee.
Non-food items are also welcome – including diapers, baby wipes, toiletries, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, hygiene products and toilet paper. The Asheville and Charlotte food pantries also accept refrigerated items such as milk, yogurt, cheese and produce.
Where to take donations:
ASHEVILLE: Drop off anytime 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Calling ahead to 828-255-0146 is recommended.
CHARLOTTE: Call 704-370-3295 to arrange a drop-off time at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
WINSTON-SALEM: Drop off items at the Catholic Charities office lobby, 1612 East 14th St., Winston-Salem, N.C. 27105, anytime 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Individual donations are always welcome, as are collections from food drives organized by parishes, schools and groups.
Financial donations are also welcome: Your contribution will help Catholic Charities buy items it needs to supplement or fill in the gaps from other sources. Go online to www.ccdoc.org (click on “Donate”).