CT Foodshare Faces Challenges in Providing Community Support Amid Federal Funding Cuts

Connecticut’s largest food bank is facing a serious challenge. After losing a substantial amount of food supply from the federal government, the Connecticut Foodshare urgently needs donations.

CEO Jacob Jakubowski shared that the food bank was informed months ago about losing 34 truckloads from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). This loss translates to about 1.4 million pounds of food, which would cost around $1.7 million if purchased.

Due to this shortage, many patrons are leaving food pantries with less than they used to. Jakubowski stated, “If you visit one of our pantries or mobile food share distributions, you’ll notice smaller quantities than one or two years ago.”

To address this situation, Jakubowski believes the state must step up. They have requested $10 million for each of the next two budget years. So far, the latest budget resulted in $2.5 million for the first year and $5 million for the second. While it’s a positive step, it’s still not enough.

Additionally, cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could have broader implications. “Many grocery stores see 10-15% of their sales come from SNAP. Reductions would hurt individuals and also businesses relying on this program,” noted Jakubowski.

In New Haven, Steve Werlin, who runs the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK), echoed these concerns. His organization typically sources about two-thirds of its food from Connecticut Foodshare and has noted a drop, especially in fresh produce and dairy. “We’re experiencing a big impact on planning meals for our clients,” he explained. “The food is coming in, but it’s not enough, and we’re having to scramble.”

Seeking new solutions, Werlin is collaborating with local partners like Big Y, Target, and Stop & Shop but admits their supplies are also limited. One idea is to host community-focused food drives, focusing on staples like pasta and frozen meat to fill gaps in their offerings.

Recent statistics highlight the growing need for food assistance. According to a 2022 Feeding America report, food insecurity affected over 38 million Americans, signaling that the need is more urgent than ever.

In light of these challenges, experts emphasize the importance of grassroots efforts and community support. Research shows that local food drives and initiatives can significantly impact food banks, improving both supply and awareness of food insecurity issues.

With the landscape continuously changing, organizations like Connecticut Foodshare and DESK must adapt to ensure they can serve those in need. Community engagement and support are vital for overcoming these challenges.

Source link

Wallingford