RALEIGH (AP) — North Carolina food banks faced with increased demand because of high unemployment and government assistance delays are getting nearly $3 million.
Gov. Pat McCrory announced Monday in Charlotte the state was releasing early $750,000 to seven regional food banks to help them stock their shelves. Attorney General Roy Cooper announced moments later he is sending $2 million collected from legal settlements to food banks for statewide grants.
McCrory said the $750,000 is being released early to help food banks handle higher demand caused by the federal government shutdown. Health and Human Services Secretary Aldona Wos says food requests will increase if the shutdown lasts into November.
Food banks have also seen more families in need because of problems with a new state computer system that delayed food stamp applications.