A $10 Million Boost for Food Banks Across the Carolinas – and Hope for Families Facing Hunger
- Second Harvest
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Across the Carolinas, food banks are navigating a shifting landscape. The passage of the Budget Reconciliation Bill ushered in some of the most significant federal funding cuts we've seen in recent history. These changes have introduced unprecedented uncertainty for the charitable food sector — including reductions to programs that have long served as lifelines for families and the nonprofits supporting them. But today, there's good news—and real hope.
The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation recently announced more than $10 million in new funding to food banks serving North and South Carolina—their largest single commitment to date. And Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC is proud to be one of the 10 organizations receiving this critical support.
A Commitment to Communities in Crisis
David and Nicole Tepper, known for their philanthropic leadership since acquiring the Carolina Panthers, have long made food security a central focus of their giving. In their own words:
“Our communities are facing a food crisis and each of these organizations are on the front lines addressing that basic need,” said the Teppers. “We want to ensure they have the resources to continue to serve a growing community who rely on them day in and day out.”
This new commitment includes:
Special one-time grants to each of the 10 food banks serving North and South Carolina
A further increase in annual giving for 2026, building on the $1.3 million in annual grants awarded earlier this year
At Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, we know firsthand how essential this kind of investment is. It means more food in our warehouse, more meals in our communities, and more resources for the neighbors who count on us.
Beyond Dollars: Innovation and Impact
The Teppers’ support has never been just about writing checks. Through the Foundation, they’ve backed smart, sustainable innovations that expand access to nutritious food in new ways—from 24/7 “Smart Lockers” to large-scale urban farms, mobile markets, and nutrition education. After Hurricane Helene, the Foundation also helped multiple food banks, including ours, respond swiftly with emergency relief.
Their investment in hunger solutions is helping reshape the future of food access in the Carolinas.
Gratitude and Urgency
We are incredibly grateful for this extraordinary investment—and for the recognition it brings to the daily work of food banks across the region. But the need is still urgent.
As more families turn to us (requests for assistance have doubled in the past three years) and government support shrinking, the resulting funding gap puts greater pressure on food banks and our partners agencies, making community support more critical than ever before.
We deeply appreciate the generous support of The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation and will continue to turn to our friends and allies for support —because everyone deserves to eat and our mission is fueled by community.
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