Report on The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation’s Major Commitment to Food Security in the Carolinas

Introduction

On June 25, 2025, The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation (DNTF) announced a historic commitment exceeding $10 million in grants to support 10 partner food banks across North and South Carolina. This represents the largest single financial commitment in the Foundation’s history and underscores its dedication to combating food insecurity, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger.

Context and Rationale

The grants address a critical juncture for food banks in the Carolinas, which are experiencing:

• Decreased public funding and food donations
• Increased operational costs
• Rising demand for food assistance

Food insecurity has been a central focus of the Tepper family’s philanthropy since their acquisition of the Carolina Panthers in 2018, reflecting a commitment to SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Details of the Commitment

1. Special, one-time grants to each of the 10 food banks serving North and South Carolina
2. Increased annual grants starting in early 2026, building on the 15% increase announced in February 2025, which amounted to $1.3 million in annual support

This multi-faceted funding approach ensures both immediate relief and sustained support for partner organizations.

Statements from the Foundation

David and Nicole Tepper emphasized the urgency of the situation:

“When we learned of the growing strain on our partner food banks, it was important for us to respond and to do so quickly. Our communities are facing a food crisis and each of these organizations are on the front lines addressing that basic need. We want to ensure they have the resources to continue to serve a growing community who rely on them day in and day out.”

Beneficiary Organizations

The grants will be distributed to the following partner food banks across North and South Carolina:

• 10 food banks serving the Carolinas (specific names not listed in the source)

Additional Initiatives and Impact

The Foundation’s impact extends beyond grant funding, contributing to innovative projects that advance SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities:

• Supported Lowcountry Food Bank’s Smart Locker initiative, providing 24/7 access to food resources
• Collaborated with Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and Bank to build 100 garden boxes and upgrade irrigation systems, increasing food production capacity
• Provided immediate disaster relief following Hurricane Helene
• Committed $3 million to Nourish Up’s “Hunger Hub,” a 90,000-square-foot facility in Charlotte offering comprehensive resources to combat food and nutrition insecurity

About The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation

Established in 2020, DNTF focuses on innovative, community-based solutions addressing urgent societal challenges. Its core areas include:

• Food insecurity (SDG 2: Zero Hunger)
• Basic needs
• Education (SDG 4: Quality Education)
• Disaster relief

David and Nicole Tepper remain deeply committed to reducing inequities and improving quality of life on both local and national levels, supporting the broader Sustainable Development Goals framework.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article focuses on addressing food insecurity through grants and support to food banks in North and South Carolina.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty – By supporting food banks and providing resources to those facing food and nutrition insecurity, the initiative contributes to alleviating poverty-related challenges.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The support for community-based projects such as the “Hunger Hub” and Smart Locker initiative promotes sustainable urban development and community resilience.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The collaboration between the David & Nicole Tepper Foundation and various food banks and organizations exemplifies partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 2 Targets:
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
   • Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition, including achieving targets on stunted and wasted children under 5 years of age.
2. SDG 1 Targets:
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of people living in poverty in all its dimensions.
3. SDG 11 Targets:
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
4. SDG 17 Targets:
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 2:
   • Prevalence of undernourishment or food insecurity in the Carolinas (implied by the reported increase in demand and food insecurity).
   • Number of people served by food banks and access to food resources (e.g., through initiatives like Smart Locker and Hunger Hub).
2. Indicators related to SDG 1:
   • Proportion of population living below the poverty line receiving food assistance.
3. Indicators related to SDG 11:
   • Number and capacity of community facilities supporting food and nutrition security (e.g., Hunger Hub’s 90,000-square-foot facility).
4. Indicators related to SDG 17:
   • Amount and frequency of grants and partnerships formed (e.g., over $10 million in grants, annual increases in funding, collaboration with multiple organizations).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: charlottefootballclub.com