New York Times Feature: Fragile N.C. Residents Lose Medicaid Support for Food and Housing

 A Program Ends, But the Work Continues

Today’s New York Times article shared the story of North Carolina’s Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP)—a program that provided food, housing, and other essentials to help people stay healthy. 

Read the New York Times Feature (sign up for a free trial) or click the PDF to view here.

Through HOP, Bounty & Soul delivered weekly produce boxes to 260 Medicaid recipients with serious health challenges, improving health while supporting the local farm economy by purchasing fresh regional produce. 

At Bounty & Soul, we saw its impact firsthand in the lives of individuals and the strength of our community:

  • “The produce was a godsend for my son,” said Krista Shalda. Her 15-year-old, Alex, who has hydrocephalus and chronic health challenges, received HOP food boxes tailored to his complex diet. Over time, the fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and dairy helped reduce his hospital visits, seizures, and kidney stones—and brought joy back to mealtimes.
  • “For us, the timing is terrible,” said farmer Nicole DelCogliano, who rebuilt after devastating flood losses and found meaning knowing her crops went to families in need.

At a time when grocery prices are soaring, federal budget cuts are straining agriculture and health services, and neighbors are still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s devastation, we remain committed to providing no-cost, farm-fresh produce to those facing food insecurity. 💚

Produce to the People™ community markets now serve approximately 26,000 people each month — nearly double from before Hurricane Helene, a testament to the great need in WNC. 

The program’s closure is deeply felt by those who relied on fresh, nutrient-rich food as a foundation for their health. As our deputy director Paula Sellars said: “Rather than chasing disease, supporting people’s well-being is the smart and humane choice.”

While HOP has ended, our commitment remains steadfast: to nourish, connect, and support our community with fresh produce and compassion together.

🌱 The need is greater than ever, and so is our resolve.

👉 You can help us continue this work: