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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Appropriations2026-05-13

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill appropriates $4 million to expand the FarmSHARE Food Hub Program, which purchases locally grown food and distributes it free to food-insecure North Carolinians, and $2 million to expand the Double Up Food Bucks Program, which provides matching funds to help nutrition assistance recipients afford fresh produce at farmers markets and food hubs. Both programs require annual reporting on participation, distribution, and outcomes.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses food insecurity by connecting low-income families with fresh, locally grown food while supporting North Carolina farmers and rural economies.
• •The programs help nutrition assistance recipients stretch their dollars further through matching funds, improving access to healthy produce that may otherwise be unaffordable.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may question whether $6 million in one-time funding is sufficient for a statewide expansion and sustainable long-term impact, and whether government-funded food programs represent the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars compared to other approaches to addressing poverty and food insecurity.