Davidson County families impacted after food pantry loses federal funding
LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — The United States Department of Agriculture cut more than$11 million in funding to North Carolina food banks. It's a decision that's trickled down to local pantries.
One of those pantries is West Davidson Food Pantry In Lexington.
'We have already noticed that our funding has changed through Second Harv … We have been getting 55, 56 boxes per month. Now has dropped to 28 boxes,' Davidson Food Pantry Executive Director Wendy Marion said.
The West Davidson Food Pantry serves 1,190 clients every month. Its food supply from Second Harvest Food Bank has been cut nearly in half for the next month.
On top of that, they just learned they won't be receiving the usual $15,000 grant from the state, which is funding that has been crucial for keeping food on the shelves.
'That's going to hit us hard there,' Marion said.
The pantry has already helped more than 4,000 clients this year, and donations haven't kept up with demand.
The food pantry is unsure how they'll keep up with the need.
'We did not get an abundance this year of donations, and that has hurt us in just preparing for our future. We are … working with the community for donations and our churches, but I am worried about our clients and our elderly clients coming in, and we also serve the three elementary schools,' Marion said.
One of the people who relies on this pantry is Leonard Hodson.
'We got custody of six grandkids … We got a full house, and my stepson moved down here from Indiana to help us out. Trying to feed these kids. It's crazy,' Hodson said.
While he receives help, he also gives back by donating dozens of eggs from his own chickens.
'We bring them 16 to 24 dozen eggs every month because they need them all,' Hodson said.
Hodson said he and his wife hope others will give what they can to help the food pantry survive.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was notified by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service via email on March 7 of the termination of the agreement for the Local Food Purchase Assistance 2025 Cooperative Agreement effective 60 days from the March 7 date.
The funds of $11.4 million were to be utilized over the next three years.
The state had not yet received or distributed any funds associated with this when this decision was made.
'We are always striving to create opportunities for North Carolina products across the state,' Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. 'We are disappointed with this decision, and we will be discussing it with the appropriate people to see if there is a way to continue providing opportunities to communities with local foods and support farmers.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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