Cherie Jzar, a North Carolina farmer, has become a lifeline for area residents as the Trump administration has delayed funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Many of her customers are seniors — who often live on fixed incomes and rely on SNAP. With the rising costs of food, she said, it has been difficult for the elders in the community to purchase produce or meats.
For months, she and her family have given free bags of produce to elderly residents in the Historic West End of Charlotte, a majority-Black community. They run Deep Roots CPS Farm, and have gifted people collard greens, kale, and radishes. Other times, they gave away fruits like strawberries and blueberries.
“Especially in times of crisis, you definitely need institutions like farms, led by people who care about the people that they’re providing produce to,” Jzar said.