Governor Stein Delivers Milestone Meal in Forsyth County
On November 9, 2026, Governor Josh Stein participated in a significant event with Meals on Wheels and Senior Services Inc. by personally delivering the organization’s eight millionth meal in Forsyth County. The recipient, Mr. Ben Briggs, a 105-year-old retired science teacher, has been a participant in the Meals on Wheels program.
Addressing Food Insecurity
During the meal delivery, Governor Stein emphasized the ongoing challenge of rising grocery prices, which leave many North Carolinians concerned about their next meal. He noted the achievement of delivering eight million meals and expressed appreciation for the dedication of the Meals on Wheels and Senior Services team, along with the volunteers who help connect individuals with necessary food resources. “North Carolina will continue working to lower costs for families and expand access to nutritious meals to fight hunger,” he stated.
Support for Vulnerable Populations
The Governor is focused on safeguarding the well-being of about 1.25 million North Carolinians who depend on SNAP benefits, including many children, veterans, people with disabilities, and working families. Recently, he communicated with Congressional leaders and the state’s congressional delegation, advocating for the repeal of problematic work requirements in H.R. 1, which could jeopardize food access for approximately 90,000 residents covered by SNAP.
Investments in Food Security Initiatives
Governor Stein has taken significant steps to bolster food security in the state. In July, he approved a budget allocating over $9 million to assist food banks and support local farmers. In light of a federal government shutdown that impacted SNAP benefits in November 2025, he facilitated $22 million in funding from both public and private sources to aid food banks statewide.
Programs to Combat Child Hunger
Recognizing that one in five children in North Carolina lives in households with inconsistent food access, Stein’s administration has also implemented the SUN Bucks program. This initiative, fully funded for the summer of 2027, helps families buy groceries when school is not in session, benefiting over a million children and yielding a substantial return on investment from federal funding.
Enhancing School Meals and Early Education
In his proposed budget, Governor Stein suggested the provision of free breakfast for all North Carolina students, aiming to ensure they are ready to learn when they arrive at school. Additionally, he has urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to maintain essential standards for Head Start programs, which serve over 17,600 children in the state, providing them with early education and nutritious meals.
Future of Healthy Opportunities Pilot Program
Moreover, the Governor announced the upcoming relaunch of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot program in 2027, which focuses specifically on mitigating food insecurity. This initiative will restore funding for preventive health interventions for Medicaid recipients, backed by a $9 million investment from the General Assembly along with $16 million in federal matching funds.
Source: Office of the Governor of North Carolina
