by Nick Wood, CFSA Advocacy Manager | Friday, Aug. 13, 2021 –
The North Carolina House of Representatives approved its proposal for the 2021-2022 state budget this week—and it includes $2 million for CFSA’s FarmsSHARE program!
FarmsSHARE was created as a response to the need for emergency food relief due to the pandemic; it provides a free, weekly box of locally-grown food from small, sustainable Carolina farms to households in need across NC.
This funding in the House budget is a huge first step in securing state support to continue FarmsSHARE and a win for local farms, food hubs, and people in need of healthy food. Next, the NC House and Senate will appoint a joint committee to work out the differences between the two chambers’ spending proposals, and CFSA will be working to make sure this funding is included in the House/Senate compromise budget!
The proposed $2 million from the state would provide approximately 47,000 CSA-style boxes of produce and proteins sourced from 80 local farms and 10 food hubs to 6,000 families in need at no cost to them. The funding would also create nearly $3.5 million in additional economic activity, according to the Local Food Impact Calculator.
We’re one step closer to feeding thousands of North Carolina families and investing in our small farms and local food businesses during this time of crisis. Thanks to all of you for making calls to legislators, sharing posts on social media, and for your interest in this issue. Your support and advocacy make a crucial difference!
Subscribe to our Action Alerts to receive an email the next time there’s an opportunity to take action to support FarmsSHARE as the budget process unfolds!