Republican lawmakers, advocates push to strengthen NC food systems, farms

North Carolina lawmakers and farm and nutrition advocates are pressing for $11 million in state funding to strengthen local food systems, support farmers and expand summer nutrition help.

The request, reported by NC Newsline on May 5, would back programs including Double Up Food Bucks, SUN Bucks and FarmsSHARE. Supporters say the money would help move public nutrition dollars toward local growers while also helping families facing food insecurity.

Rep. Karl Gillespie said the proposal includes $5 million in state support for SUN Bucks, which would unlock more than $100 million in federal funding. NCDHHS says SUN Bucks is back for 2026 and provides $120 per eligible child for summer food purchases.

The coalition behind the push includes CFSA, the North Carolina Farmers Market network, the North Carolina Food Hub Association, the North Carolina Food Council, the American Heart Association and No Kid Hungry.

CFSA says FarmsSHARE is an established statewide model that connects growers, food hubs and community partners to deliver food to households. Governor Stein has also said SUN Bucks should be included in the state budget going forward.

The immediate question is whether lawmakers will turn the request into a budget item or bill. For now, the effort is framed as both an anti-hunger policy and a way to keep more food dollars circulating through North Carolina farms and rural communities.