Federal budget cuts are set to have a major impact on North Carolina’s food banks and schools, with nearly $30 million in funding for local food purchases eliminated.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently informed the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that it would no longer receive funding for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program.

The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, one of seven food banks relying on federal assistance, is now looking to the state for alternative funding sources. The organization says that hunger is on the rise in the 34 counties it serves.

Due to the loss of funding, it could be even harder for struggling families to access nutritious food, experts say.

The funding cuts include $11.4 million lost for food banks and nearly $19 million less for school districts to buy fresh, locally-sourced fruits, vegetables, dairy and protein in 2025 and 2026.

The organization says that no long having these funds, there will be fewer families with access to meals. Also, small farms that sell their produce to schools and food banks may be forced to shut down.

Hunger in North Carolina has reached a 15-year high, and with grocery prices still climbing, local food advocates are urging the public to take action. The organization is calling on both Congress and state legislators to step in and restore funding.

“We need Congress to restore federal funding for USDA Local Food Purchases,” the organization said in a statement. “And if these programs aren’t renewed, state legislators need to do all they can to fill the funding gap.”

The organization encourages the public to fill out a form on its website to reach out to these elected officials to advocate for restoring funding to support local farmers, food banks and families in need.