North Carolina faces significant hunger, with recent estimates showing around 1 in 7 people (over 1.6 million), including nearly 1 in 5 children (over 438,000), are food insecure, meaning they lack consistent access to enough food for a healthy life, with disparities seen across racial groups and regions. While rates dipped slightly to about 10.9% around 2021-2023, newer data from late 2024/early 2025 indicates a rise back to around 13.9% or higher, with increased reliance on government assistance and food pantries signaling worsening conditions due to rising costs.
On January 19th. 2025, America Saraswata Sangha (AMSAS) contributed $1,000 in cash (via check) and approximately $100 worth of non perishable can goods to the Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina. The purpose of this contribution was aligned with our goal as a spiritual/religious organization, with a purpose to help alleviate hunger. We feel doubly blessed as we are a local North Carolina based organization with our worship center located in Efland, NC.
The food bank informed us that the $1,000 contribution will have an equal corporate match and will provide 10,000 meals. The 196 cans of sweet corn weighed 210 pounds and will additionally feed 1,050 persons.
