In 2025, The Duke Endowment awarded a $1 million grant to Feeding the Carolinas to help food banks in North Carolina and South Carolina respond to rising food insecurity. Increased demand for assistance — driven by ongoing recovery efforts in storm-affected communities, disruptions to public nutrition programs and funding reductions — has placed significant strain on families and local food systems. 

Feeding the Carolinas, a partnership of 10 Feeding America-affiliated food banks, supports more than 3,700 charitable agencies serving 2.3 million Carolinians across 146 counties each year. The Endowment’s grant will help these food banks meet urgent and growing needs while sustaining access to food for vulnerable children and families. 

The grant reflects the Endowment’s longstanding commitment to supporting communities during periods of heightened need, including previous investments made during the COVID-19 pandemic and following Hurricane Helene.