Brooklyn Food Pantry Faces Setback as Federal Aid for Feeding Migrants is Cut

The Trump administration has recently cut off more than $1.3 million in federal emergency grants to the Campaign Against Hunger, a Brooklyn food pantry known for feeding thousands of New Yorkers, including many migrants. This decision has placed the nonprofit in a tough spot, as they rely heavily on these funds to provide meals to those in need.

Melony Samuels, the CEO of the pantry, expressed her deep concern: “Taking this much funding from an organization with a limited budget takes food out of the mouths of those who need it most.” The pantry typically serves around 17 million meals to over 1.5 million New Yorkers every year, so losing this money is a significant blow.

On April 1, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sent a letter to the Campaign stating that their grants under the Shelter and Services Program were terminated due to suspicions that they were serving food to “illegal aliens.” In the letter, FEMA’s acting administrator emphasized that helping individuals without legal status conflicted with the government’s enforcement priorities.

The Shelter and Services Program, which had a budget of $650 million for the 2024 fiscal year, was designed to support vulnerable noncitizen migrants waiting for immigration hearings. Although New York City was also affected, with $188 million in grants terminated, Mayor Eric Adams’s office is actively seeking to challenge these cuts.

In a recent indication of growing need, surveys show that food insecurity remains high, with over 30% of New Yorkers struggling to afford adequate meals. The Campaign Against Hunger reported that typical attendance at their pantry has fallen by half, with many families understanding but still frustrated by the limitations on assistance.

The pantry has already spent around $600,000 on food supplies, much of which they may not be reimbursed for. To stretch their resources, they recently limited visits to once a month, impacting many families heavily dependent on this service. Volunteers continue to rally at the facility, but the uncertainty looms large.

Dr. Samuels wakes up each day burdened by the challenges ahead. “What will we do today?” she questions. “How many people will go hungry?” The pantry has recently relied on other funding sources, but federal cuts have crippled their operations. The USDA also pulled over $600,000 in support, further complicating their situation.

Food banks across the city are facing a similar crisis as the demand for assistance surges. Samuels is mobilizing efforts to fundraise and gather community support, emphasizing the urgency of their mission. “We’re not just a food pantry; we’re a lifeline for many families,” she insists.

As the situation develops, charitable organizations are reflecting on how vital these services are amidst increasing food insecurity challenges within New York. The Campaign Against Hunger and others like it are urging individuals and corporations to step in and support their cause during this critical time.



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