More than 10,000 people — one in six individuals — in Sampson County are facing hunger, according to data released earlier this week by the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.
The release from the organization stated, “Right now, more than 607,000 people are food insecure across the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina’s 34-county service area. That’s 150,000 more neighbors than the peak of the pandemic, when so many of us lost jobs, income, and loved ones.”
The food bank also criticized the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to terminate Household Food Security Reports. “These redundant, costly, politicized, and extraneous studies do nothing more than fear monger,” a Sept. 20 press release from the USDA stated, further alleging that the Household Food Security Reports led to an increase in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) spending.
“Politicians in Washington voted to slash the federal safety nets that help millions of people in North Carolina afford food and medicine,” stated Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC Vice President Jason Kanawati Stephany. “Administrative changes at the USDA can’t erase the reality our communities face every day: the price of groceries remains out of reach for far too many families — and more people are seeking food assistance today than any point in the past 20 years.”
The food bank also shared a county-level report that utilizes the data from the Household Food Security Reports. According to that report, 10,050 people in Sampson County are facing hunger, with one in six individuals, or 17 percent, experiencing food insecurity. The report adds that within the food bank network, 1.5 million pounds of food have been distributed in Sampson County and 1.2 million meals.
In addition, the food bank’s data reports that 10,749 individuals in Sampson are enrolled in food benefits like SNAP and FNS (Food and Nutrition Services), adding up to $48,516 in assistance.
Hunger appears to affect races disproportionately, with 25 percent of Blacks and 25 percent of Hispanics experiencing food insecurity, compared to 13 percent of white people. An estimated 3,350 children in the county face hunger, and 4,661 seniors are living below the poverty line.
The numbers are even more staggering when it comes to students in the county and city public schools, with the food bank data suggesting 10,959 students are economically disadvantaged.
Luckily, both Sampson County Schools and Clinton City Schools have programs in place to help address food insecurity.
“Sampson County Schools is committed to ensuring no child goes hungry,” said Alicia Leach, Community Schools District liaison for Sampson County Schools and assistant principal of Lakewood High School. “As a district, every student receives free breakfast and lunch daily. Additionally, all schools participate in the Backpack Program, which provides students in need with extra food to take home on weekends and holidays, thereby helping to bridge the gap when school meals are unavailable.”
The Community Schools initiative is also providing food pantries and other services in the Lakewood district. “The Community Schools framework does more than provide food — it creates a safety net,” Leach stated. “Families can count on schools not only as centers for learning but also as resource hubs, connecting them with local partners, healthcare providers, and agencies that meet immediate needs.”
Clinton City Schools also has a food in place at Sampson Middle School, with one family alone donating nearly 100,000 items in the past 12 years. The Gillespie family started a project called Insecure No More. Since its inception, Insecure No More has gathered a staggering 97,942 items for Clinton City Schools.
“Whenever I see kids get their bags of food for the weekend, and they’re so happy, it really fulfills me,” said the youngest Gillespie, Tripp, now an eighth grader.
There are also numerous food banks throughout the county that offer distributions at different times of the month. See a more in-depth story on these services in a future issue.
Those needing food assistance can also apply for benefits at the Sampson County Department of Social Services.
“County residents may take the following actions if they are in need of food services,” said DSS Director Patty Santos. “They may apply for FNS by completing an online application via ePASS at epass.nc.gov/, completing an application in person at DSS, 360 County Complex Road, Suite 100, Clinton, placing a completed paper application in DSS’s outside drop box, calling DSS at 910-592-7131, mailing a completed paper application to PO BOX 1105, Clinton, NC 28329, emailing a completed application to [email protected], or faxing a completed paper application to 910-592-4297.”
She also suggested contacting one of the county’s food banks, participating in the Backpack Buddies program sponsored by the United Methodist Church, or calling 211, United Way of NC Essential Community Services, where callers can obtain up-to-date resource information.