Colorado Nonprofits Struggle to Survive: The Impact of USDA’s Billion-Dollar Budget Cuts on Local Communities

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Recent changes by the USDA have cut vital funding that allowed schools and nonprofits to source food from local farms. This has left many organizations scrambling to find new ways to support their communities.

Jessica Wright, the Director of Healthy Food and Institutions at Nourish Colorado, highlighted the impact of this funding loss. “We were expecting about $5.9 million for K-12 school districts and $2.1 million for childcare facilities,” she said. “Now, that money has vanished, which is a huge blow to our food system.”

The USDA recently eliminated roughly $660 million allocated for the local food for schools program, along with $420 million intended for local food purchase agreements. These changes could severely limit access to fresh, nutritious food in vulnerable communities. Nonprofits now fear that lower-income families will struggle even more to get healthy options.

Wright noted, “Fresh produce is often pricier than chips and soda. Without funding that supports local produce, it’s harder for these communities to access fresh, whole foods.”

Interestingly, last year Colorado enacted a law enabling the State Health Department to offer financial incentives to food banks and schools that purchase directly from local farmers. This move was seen as a way to promote healthier eating habits.

Care and Share Food Bank, a nonprofit serving southern Colorado, previously had $1.6 million to invest in local farms. They are now looking to collaborate with both the USDA and state leaders to establish similar programs in the future.

This situation reflects a broader trend in the food system where access to healthy options is increasingly hampered by funding cuts. According to a recent survey from the Food Research and Action Center, nearly 10% of households faced food insecurity last year. In contrast, many families relied on local programs for nutritious meals. As support dwindles, it’s essential for communities to come together and advocate for sustainable solutions.

The connection between healthy food access and local economies is crucial. Investing in local farms not only supports community health but also strengthens the local economy. When organizations like Care and Share work directly with farmers, it ensures that more of the food dollar stays within the community.

As we move forward, it’s vital to prioritize these programs and find innovative ways to support local food systems. By doing so, we can create a healthier future for everyone.

Check out this related article: Join the Battle Against Hunger: Food Fight Campaign Kicks Off This April!

Source link

usda,care and share,food bank,is my food bank losing money,food bank near me