El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank is making some changes. Starting March 31, they will shift their food distribution from five days a week to four days a week, operating Tuesday through Friday. This decision comes as the organization faces challenges in funding and food supply.
Due to a drop in fundraising since the COVID-19 pandemic, many food banks, including El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, are struggling to meet the rising demand. According to their latest report, in 2023, they provided approximately 88.5 million meals to families in need. This included services at their main site in the Lower Valley, partner agencies, and mobile food pantries.
Susan Goodell, the CEO of the food bank, highlights the impact of reduced resources, saying, "With fewer resources, we must make tough decisions to protect core operations." The organization also adapts its partnerships with community pantries based on what food is available.
A significant portion of the food bank’s revenue, about half in 2023, came from government grants. However, recent budget cuts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture have made it harder for food banks to secure necessary funds. They slashed over $1 billion that was meant for schools and food banks to purchase fresh food from local sources. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security has paused payments to organizations aiding migrants, although Goodell noted that the food bank does not use federal funds for that purpose.
Currently, more than 69,000 households in El Paso County receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, according to Texas Health and Human Services data. Nearly 148,000 individuals are eligible for support, which has increased since last year. There’s concern, however, about potential cuts to SNAP funding under proposed Republican budget measures, which aim to reduce allocations significantly over the next decade.
The need for help is crucial. El Pasoans Fighting Hunger offers several programs, including grocery pantries at public schools and food delivery for seniors or those with disabilities. They also help people apply for SNAP benefits to ensure access to essential food resources.
The current landscape for food assistance is changing, and organizations like El Pasoans Fighting Hunger continue to adapt and support the community’s needs even when faced with financial instability.
For more information on how the food bank is navigating these changes, visit El Pasoans Fighting Hunger.
Check out this related article: How Federal Budget Cuts Are Endangering Food Assistance Programs for North Carolina Communities
Source linkEl Pasoans Fighting Hunger
