SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Food Bank is bracing for changes as it faces cuts to federal funding. Each week, this vital organization provides food to about 105,000 people, relying on around $180 million worth of donations annually, supplemented by about $14.5 million in purchases.
Eric Cooper, the Food Bank’s President and CEO, explains the struggle: "We might have pasta but no marinara. We have peanut butter, but we’re missing the jelly." This balancing act is about to get tougher. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is ending a helpful program that had been set up during the pandemic.
Launched in June 2022, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program was designed to help food banks buy from local farmers. Unfortunately, similar programs for schools and childcare centers are also being cut. A USDA spokesperson stated, “The COVID era is over — USDA’s approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward.”
Cooper emphasizes the impact of losing this funding. He estimates that the program contributed about $3 million to their food purchases each year, representing 20% of their food budget. He worries that without this support, they may need to ration food more strictly. “We could move from providing food for a week to just a few days,” he added.
The Texas Department of Agriculture, which manages this funding, has already warned food banks to prepare for a tighter budget. Cooper shared, “We were told you’ll receive payment for this year, but future funding will be cut.” So far, the San Antonio Food Bank has received $5.8 million from the program this year, but with the cuts, future allocations are uncertain.
Despite these challenges, Cooper encourages those in need to visit the food bank. However, he cautions that the reduced funding could mean fewer supplies to go around. The organization is hopeful for the return of this funding in some meaningful way.
In the broader context, the issue of food security continues to grow in the U.S. A recent survey by the USDA revealed that nearly 10% of American households faced food insecurity in 2021, highlighting the importance of programs like LFPA. The need for support systems that bolster local farmers and meet the needs of families has never been more critical.
Experts emphasize that addressing food insecurity requires a multifaceted approach that combines local support, government assistance, and community engagement. As Cooper mentioned, “At the end of the day, I hope this funding is restored in a new initiative to support farmers and growers and needy families.”
For now, the San Antonio Food Bank remains a lifeline for many, but its future operations will depend on the response to these funding challenges.
Check out this related article: 71 Rescued Animals Found Stranded in Abandoned Texas School Bus: A Heart-Wrenching Rescue Story
Source linkSan Antonio,San Antonio Food Bank
