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Storm system to exit US, leaving behind at least 39 dead and vast destruction from tornadoes, wildfires and dust storms; ME farmers, others hurt by USDA freeze on funding grants; SNAP, Medicaid cuts would strain PA emergency food system; Trash 2 Trends: Turning garbage into glamour to fight climate change.

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Secretary of State Rubio pledges more arrests like that of student activist Mahmoud Khalil. Former EPA directors sound the alarm on Lee Zeldin's deregulation plans, and lack of opportunity is pushing rural Gen Zers out of their communities.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

Reflections on 60 years of Economic Opportunity Act in NC

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Monday, August 19, 2024   

Tomorrow marks 60 years since the Economic Opportunity Act became law and in North Carolina, it is a moment to reflect and look forward.

The federal legislation, which was part of the War on Poverty in the 1960s, helped launch a national network of Community Action Agencies and programs like Head Start and Community Health Centers.

Denise Harlow, CEO of the National Community Action Partnership, said today, they are still tackling the tough, underlying issues in laws and policies keeping people in poverty.

"We do see that structural race, gender and other inequities remain barriers in this country," Harlow explained. "And every day, community action agencies, no matter where they're located -- urban, suburban, rural and frontier -- are fighting against some of those structural barriers, the systemic issues."

Harlow thinks to make a bigger impact, funding needs to be more flexible and could include direct cash assistance to families. She also noted the way funding is divided, the strict eligibility rules and data systems can sometimes create barriers for those who need help.

Sharon Goodson, executive director of North Carolina Community Action Association, shared how local initiatives have made a difference over the years, especially when it comes to nutrition.

"We have a local agency that is a food bank and provides healthy foods and nutrition to counties across the state," Goodson outlined. "Nutrition education. We have mobile food pantries. We've created food pantries in high schools and schools."

Looking ahead, Goodson stressed the next 60 years should focus on giving people a real shot at a better life.

"Nobody wakes up and chooses to be poor, you know, our children don't, our families don't," Goodson observed. "It's about helping low-income people, the disabled. But really, it is about the hope that can be realized. It is about fulfilling the promise."

She is convinced the system needs to change so people are not penalized for trying to improve their lives. She added North Carolina's Community Action Agencies advocate for policy changes to keep families together and ensure everyone has access to health care, education and economic opportunities.

Disclosure: The National Community Action Partnership contributes to our fund for reporting on Housing/Homelessness, Hunger/Food/Nutrition, Poverty Issues, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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