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Friend,
As the federal government shutdown continues, we know many families in our community are worried about what comes next - especially knowing SNAP benefits may not be distributed in November. With more than 8,700 Orange County residents receiving $2.6 million in SNAP benefits each month, this would leave many children and families facing even greater food insecurity challenges.
At TABLE, our top priority is making sure local children have consistent access to healthy, nutritious food, no matter what’s happening at the federal level. We are grateful to share that every week, we are serving 1,125 children and will continue without interruption. But the need continues to grow with nearly 300 more children on our waitlist.
This need reminds us why it’s so important that TABLE is able to remain a stable, reliable source of food and support for local families.
We are deeply aware that this uncertainty is adding stress to families already struggling with the rising costs of groceries and housing. Over the past two years, TABLE’s food expenses have increased by more than $8,000 per week, while the number of children we serve has grown by 35%.
How You Can Take Action to Feed More Local Children
To serve more children, TABLE relies on sustainable support - from ongoing donations and food partnerships to volunteers and community advocacy. Every gift, hour, and voice helps ensure local kids have enough to eat.
As one recent donor shared, “I want to support my community given the likely significant reduction in funds from the Federal government. I’m financially comfortable now, however I grew up poor and recall as a child going to bed hungry one night because of my family’s lack of funds. I wish to help today’s children avoid that.”
Here’s how you can help:
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Make a one-time gift: It costs $30 to feed one child for one week. You can give online, through Venmo (@TABLE-Inc) or CASHapp ($TABLEInc), or mail a check to TABLE, 311 E. Main Street, Carrboro, NC 27510.
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Become a monthly donor: Recurring donations provide the dependable funding TABLE needs to sustainably add more children to our program. Donate here.
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Volunteer your time: We rely on nearly 200 volunteers every week, including 45 drivers who deliver food to children’s homes. Any time you can give makes a big impact. Volunteer here.
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Advocate for access to healthy food: Use your social media channels - and follow TABLE on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to raise awareness and support policies that protect food access for children.
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Start a Facebook Fundraiser: Follow the steps in this video to start your Facebook fundraiser! It’s an easy way to rally your friends and family to help feed local kids.
Standing Up for Local Families During Uncertain Times
As we all wait for the latest news, I wanted to share that TABLE has been proactive in raising awareness and advocating for local families. Our work and perspective have been featured this week in ABC11, CBS17, WRAL, and WCHL/Chapelboro, helping us spotlight the growing need right here in Orange County.
As we celebrate Halloween this weekend, begin planning for family meals at Thanksgiving, and get ready for holiday festivities, I want to ask you to remember the children and families in our community who are wondering where their next meal will come from and how we can make a difference.
Together, we can ensure every child receives the fresh, healthy food they deserve. With your support, TABLE can continue to grow responsibly and make sure every child has enough to eat - no matter what happens in Washington.
With gratitude
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