Triangle groups ease holiday strain amid rising food costs and SNAP cuts

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- With Thanksgiving just days away, many North Carolina families are feeling the pinch.

Food prices are up compared to last holiday season, and changes to SNAP requirements could put benefits at risk for an estimated 90,000 people statewide.

This has caused several local groups and businesses to step up. On Friday and Sunday, Whitley Law Firm in Raleigh handed out Thanksgiving meal kits to help families heading into the holiday weekend.

"We found it really important to give back to those who may be affected by the loss of SNAP benefits and need a resource for a holiday meal," said Alex Johnston with the firm. "Everybody deserves to be fed this season."

The firm distributed boxes packed with traditional Thanksgiving essentials, including a whole turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole ingredients, and everything required for a pumpkin pie.

SEE ALSO: Where to get free Thanksgiving meals and turkeys in the Triangle

Johnston said the response was far greater than expected.

"When we first put it out there... I anticipated around 25 families," she said. "We actually had 80 families sign up."

She says the turnout underscores just how significant the need is across the Triangle this year.

Community efforts are stepping in to make sure no one goes without a holiday meal, even with rising grocery bills and uncertain benefits.

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