Concern Grows Among School Districts and NEPA Food Bank Over Potential USDA Program Cutbacks

The executive director of a food bank that helps Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties is worried about the USDA’s recent decision to cut two essential programs. These programs allowed schools and food banks to source food directly from local farmers. This change could make it harder to provide fresh food to those in need.

One of the programs, Local Foods for Schools, and another for local food purchases, provided over $1 billion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools received around $660 million, while about $500 million was allocated for food banks.

Jennifer Warabak, the executive director of the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, has reported that the food bank received approximately $500,000 from these programs this year. This funding accounted for 10% of the food bank’s budget dedicated to buying fresh produce and dairy. “It’s a significant resource for acquiring fresh food,” she noted.

The end of this program is troubling, especially since the demand for food is increasing. Warabak mentioned there was a staggering 23% rise in the number of visits to their pantry last year. The food bank distributed almost 18 million pounds of food in that time. “Removing resources from our charitable food system will directly affect food banks and, ultimately, the families who rely on us,” she explained.

Local sourcing not only supports the food bank but also boosts the regional economy. Warabak emphasized, “It puts money back into the community.” Currently, the food bank is exploring different ways to maintain access to healthy food for its 300 member agencies.

Concerns are also rising among school districts about how potential cuts to USDA programs will impact their ability to provide fresh produce. For instance, Lackawanna Trail School District, which received about $35,000 from the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, is uncertain about the future. Superintendent Matthew Rakauskas mentioned that cuts could affect offerings of local beef and produce.

Aramark, which manages the food service for Scranton School District, highlighted the importance of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program in exposing students to healthy food options. General manager Precious Gilliard stated, “This program allows us to provide students with fruits and vegetables they might not try at home. Losing it would limit our ability to introduce new healthy foods.”

With the rising alarm over food insecurity, experts in food policy stress the importance of local sourcing as a strategy for building resilient food systems. According to a report from the USDA, local food sales across the U.S. reached approximately $11.7 billion in 2021. This figure highlights the growing trend of prioritizing local produce, which supports both food banks and local economies.

In this ongoing struggle against food insecurity, it’s evident that programs to support local agriculture and food access are more crucial than ever. As food bank officials and educators continue to advocate for these services, the hope is for stronger support in the future.



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