Federal Program Supports Farmers by Donating Fresh Produce to Food Banks — But It’s Facing Cuts!

Feeding Hope in South Florida

MIAMI — Jackie Brown, 59, is a grandmother raising five grandchildren. Standing in the produce fridge at Feeding South Florida, a local food bank, she dreams up hearty meals. “Maybe some stew with onions, potatoes, and bell peppers. A bit of meat if we’re lucky,” she thinks.

Last year, Brown was one of 1.2 million South Floridians who turned to this food bank for help. Rising living costs have pushed many closer to hunger. About 20% of South Floridians needed support from food banks in 2022, according to local reports.

Unfortunately, recent federal funding cuts are set to reduce Feeding South Florida’s budget by more than 30%. The Trump administration ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA), which provided $900 million to help food banks buy fresh produce from local farmers. This decision cut $13.5 million from Feeding South Florida’s funding, leading to less access to healthy food for families like Brown’s.

As the month progresses, Brown often relies on food banks to fill the gap before her food stamp assistance kicks in. U.S. Department of Agriculture data shows that grocery prices have surged about 30% since 2020. In Miami-Dade, food insecurity has jumped by 50%, with around 400,000 residents unsure of when their next meal will come.

The cuts also threaten local farmers. The LFPA program allowed Feeding South Florida to purchase nearly half of its produce directly from nearby farms. Without this support, many farmers may face losses. J.D. Poole, a farmer from Belle Glade, noted that his farm supplies over a million pounds of produce to the food bank each year. He relies on this partnership for about 10% of his annual revenue.

The cancellation of this program could lead to perfectly edible produce being wasted. “It’s a very needed program," Poole said, expressing concern that without assistance, he can’t afford to donate food to the bank.

Experts emphasize the health implications of these funding cuts. Robin Safley, CEO of Feeding Florida, pointed out that many who rely on these services deal with chronic health issues. Access to nutritious food can help mitigate healthcare costs in the long run. “Many of them are also on Medicaid,” she explained. Healthy eating plays a critical role in managing these costs.

Social media has seen discussions around these cuts, with many community members voicing support for local food initiatives. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz called the program’s cancellation a “gut punch” for families and small farmers alike. The sentiment reflects a growing concern for vulnerable populations affected by rising food prices and reduced food assistance.

As Jackie Brown collects her groceries, she expresses gratitude. “I feel lucky,” she says, glancing at her friend Lathoya Bennett. “There are many people who can’t even get here for help.” Bennett agrees, surveying the fresh produce around them. “This is a true blessing.”

In times of need, food banks play a crucial role in ensuring families can put fresh meals on their tables. But with ongoing financial challenges, their futures hang in the balance. As communities rally around this issue, the call for sustained support and increasing access to nutritious food has never been more urgent.

For more on the impact of food assistance programs, visit Feeding America.

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section: News,section: Florida,section: Business