Since 1984, however, the Food Bank has been a member of the national network of Food Banks called America's Second Harvest. America's Second Harvest accepts large food donations from processors, distributors, farmers and retail corporations. Almost all of these national donors are from outside our 15 counties service area of Northeastern North Carolina, and they usually donate by the tractor trailer load. Because there are not many producers, processors, and wholesalers in our area we survive and meet our commitments to the hungry and needy in northeastern North Carolina largely through our affiliation with America's Second Harvest and it's over 200 member food banks, local donations, and state and Federal programs. In 2004, we received 8% of our food from America's Second Harvest and an additional 6% from other food banks.
The Food Bank relies heavily on donations from local individuals, churches, organizations, restaurants, businesses (such as the Annual "Holiday Marathon" Food Drive), farmers, and grocery stores. Our local friends and benefactors provided 49% of the food we were able to distribute in 2004.
The distribution of TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) commodities from NCDA (NC Department of Agriculture) began in October, 1997 and is the source of 24% of 2004's food. We distribute in 10 counties, and it is an important source of food for many of our hungry neighbors. Products vary, but typically include: fruit juices, canned and frozen meat, vegetables, and fruit, peanuts and peanut butter, cereal, staple items such as rice and pasta, and many other nutritious foods.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funding has been received from the State of North Carolina since 1996. That year, each of the six food banks in the state received $25,000 for the purchase of food from North Carolina companies. That program has grown rapidly since, and this fiscal year each of the food banks will receive at least $166,667! SNAP provides crucial support and gives us the flexibility to purchase food which is not normally donated. The Food Bank of the Albemarle purchases: canned meats, fruits, and vegetables, dietary supplement products such as Ensure, butter, and eggs. For 2004, 13% of our food was from SNAP.
THANK YOU NORTH CAROLINA LEGISLATORS!