A regional food bank in North Carolina projected that 38% more people are in need of food. | Stock Photo
A regional food bank in North Carolina projected that 38% more people are in need of food. | Stock Photo
An alarming projection from a food bank found that the number of North Carolina residents in need food assistance is climbing.
The organization, Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, said on its website that "the projected number of food-insecure people in our 34 counties is now more than 756,000 neighbors, with 253,000 being children. That's approximately a 38% increase."
The figures come from an analysis Feeding America provided in a recent report that found that more people are in danger of going hungry because of COVID-19's impact on practically every aspect of life.
Before COVID-19, the regional food center said, based on Feeding America, that 545,000 people, including 180,000 children, were facing hunger.
The food bank said that it and its partners will continue to find ways to keep community members in need fed, and use experiences learned from the Great Recession.
"[There is as] a strong need, as there was during the recession," Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina chairman Al Ragland said on the website, "due to job loss, strain on the economy and people feeling a lack of control in their life situation."
The nonprofit is asking community members who are capable of helping those facing hunger issues to consider donating. "It not only allows us to keep doing this work, but it is a huge boost to our spirits in this trying time," the organization said on its website.
Alerts Sign-up