Congresswoman Alma Adams Convenes Regional Leaders to Address Hunger and the Future of SNAP

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) convened regional leaders, policy advocates, and community partners on Monday, March 23, 2026, for a discussion on hunger, federal nutrition programs, and the policy decisions shaping access to food across North Carolina and the nation.

Hosted by Congresswoman Alma Adams, founder of the Adams Hunger Initiative, the forum brought together experts working on the front lines of food access to examine the growing demand for assistance, the role of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the high-stakes policy debates surrounding the 2026 Farm Bill.

Opening the event, Congresswoman Adams framed hunger as both a local and national challenge-one that requires coordinated action across communities and policymakers.

"Hunger is not an abstract issue-it is showing up every day in our communities," Adams said. "Families are making impossible choices between food, housing, and healthcare. And the decisions made in Washington will determine how effectively we can respond."

The discussion featured a panel of leaders intimately engaged in addressing food insecurity:

• Yulonda Griffin, Director, Mecklenburg County Department of Community Resources
• Tina Postel, CEO, NourishUp
• Jason Blanton, State Organizer for North Carolina, Bread for the World

Together, panelists offered a grounded view of how rising food costs and economic pressures are increasing demand for food assistance across the region. Food banks and community organizations, they noted, are working at or beyond capacity, while SNAP continues to serve as a critical foundation in the nation's response to hunger.

Panelists emphasized that SNAP not only helps families access food, but also supports local economies and provides stability during periods of economic uncertainty. At the same time, they warned that recent federal actions and proposed policy changes could significantly affect eligibility, benefits, and program administration.

Adams pointed to the recent House Agriculture Committee markup of the Farm Bill-an extended session that included efforts to reverse changes to SNAP enacted through H.R. 1.

"We introduced amendments to protect SNAP and prevent additional burdens from shifting to states," Adams said. "Those amendments were rejected, but this conversation is not over. The Senate will now take up its process, and the stakes remain high."

Throughout the discussion, panelists detailed how federal policy decisions translate directly into real-world consequences. From increased strain on local agencies administering SNAP to greater pressure on food banks, the ripple effects are already being felt in communities across North Carolina.

"When federal programs are weakened, communities are left to fill the gap," Adams noted during the conversation.

Looking ahead, the panel underscored that the 2026 Farm Bill will be pivotal in determining the strength and reach of the nation's nutrition safety net. Participants called for policies that reflect current economic realities, support local implementation, and ensure that families can reliably access the food they need.

The event concluded with a shared recognition that while the challenges are significant, there is also a clear opportunity to align policy with lived experience.

"The perspectives shared today make clear that we have both the insight and the responsibility to act," Adams said. "If we listen to what communities are telling us and respond with intention, we can build a stronger, more effective system to address hunger."

The Adams Hunger Initiative continues to serve as a platform for collaboration, bringing together policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to advance solutions that expand access to food and strengthen economic stability for families.