by Fayetteville, NC – As the government shutdown continues, families in Cumberland County are facing increasing hardships to feed themselves. The prolonged hiatus in government operations has directly led to an alarming rise in food insecurity, pushing local food banks like Second Harvest to their limits.
Staff and volunteers at the Second Harvest Food Bank in Fayetteville are working around the clock to address this urgent need, but the challenge remains substantial as empty shelves and limited supplies have become common sights.
Food Banks on the Frontlines of Crisis
At the heart of Cumberland County’s response is Second Harvest Food Bank, which feeds approximately 76,000 people. Since the start of the shutdown, this number has grown significantly, exacerbating existing resource strains. A shortage of government funding has further handicapped relief efforts, as the food bank lost $2 million in government funding earlier this year.
“It’s about demand and because we also lost $2 million in government cuts earlier in the year, that really affected our ability to sometimes get some things in,” said David Griffin, food bank director at Second Harvest.
The Struggles of Local Pantries
Gray Pond Baptist Church, one of the local pantries relying on Second Harvest, has seen an uphill battle to keep shelves stocked. Pantry director Wesley Rushing recounted traveling over an hour to collect supplies for his congregation, only to find bare shelves inside the warehouse.
Read Also: Injured Girlfriend Faces Shocking Neglect as Boyfriend Prioritizes Shower Over Hospital Trip
“We just didn’t have the food to hand out,” Rushing said. “It’s increased. We did about 120 to 130 bags this past Friday. That’s probably like 45 more bags than we normally do.”
The emotional toll on volunteers and recipients is palpable. Griffin expressed the heartbreaking reality seen daily at distribution points.
“There’s nothing like seeing a mother come down with a child who is asking you for food, knowing they can’t provide for their family,” he shared.
Community Resilience and Support
Despite these challenges, the community response has shown a powerful spirit of resilience. An increase in furloughed government workers volunteering their time at food banks has been a silver lining, reflecting strong community compassion amid adversity.
For ongoing coverage and expert perspectives on this critical issue, readers can visit the original report at ABC11 News.
Looking Ahead: What Can Be Done?
- Increased donations and community support to local food banks are urgently needed.
- Policy interventions to restore and boost funding for hunger relief programs are critical.
- Volunteer efforts from all sectors remain vital in sustaining food distribution.
The struggle to feed vulnerable populations continues as the shutdown drags on. Local organizations remain dedicated, but greater public awareness and support are essential.
What do you think about this growing food insecurity crisis in Cumberland County? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
