Panthers owner commits $10 million to food banks across the Carolinas

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Panthers owner David Tepper has committed more than $10 million in grants to food banks across the Carolinas, his foundation announced Wednesday.

The commitment is the largest in the history of the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation, and will give special one-time grants to 10 different food banks across the two states while also ramping up annual gifts to each bank.

The grants have been committed to the 10 food banks listed below:

• Food Bank of the Albemarle
• Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina
• Golden Harvest Food Bank
• Harvest Hope Food Bank
• Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and Bank
• Lowcountry Food Bank
• MANNA Food Bank
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina

Tepper’s foundation said the grants come at a “critical time” where food banks have reported a decrease in public funding, a drop in donations and increased operating costs.

“When we learned of the growing strain on our partner food banks, it was important for us to respond and to do so quickly,” the Teppers said in a news release. “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.”

Since taking ownership of the Panthers in 2018, the Teppers have made it an emphasis to address food insecurity in the Carolinas.

In June 2024, their foundation made a $3 million donation to help start up the “Hunger Hub” on Carrier Drive in northwest Charlotte. Months later, the Teppers donated another $3 million to help with immediate and long-term Helene relief.

In addition, the Panthers and members of Charlotte FC worked to help pack food that was sent to areas ravaged by the hurricane. Tepper also allowed country music stars Luke Combs and Eric Church to host the “Concert for Carolina” fundraiser at Bank of America Stadium. Combs went on to call the concert “undoubtedly” the night he was “most proud of.”

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