Food Banks Face Funding Freeze: How This Crisis Affects Our Communities

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank hub is located at 811 Scotch Valley Road in Hollidaysburg. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Residents relying on local food banks may face shortages of fresh milk, eggs, meat, and produce. This is largely due to pauses in federal funding that many food banks depend on.

One major source of funding—that came from the Local Food Purchasing Act—has been halted. This act was created during the pandemic and was intended to provide the food bank with $100,000 each month. Joe Arthur, the Food Bank Executive Director, expressed serious concerns about this funding cut.

Another significant pause affects The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which was supposed to deliver truckloads of essential food items from April to July. Arthur noted that they are already receiving notifications about canceled shipments.

“These two issues are very concerning for us,” Arthur said. “They represent substantial challenges.”

The halted funding made up about 10% of the food bank’s $1 million monthly budget. Unfortunately, it’s challenging to replace essential items like milk and meat as these are not typically available from food business donors.

Additionally, the supply of eggs has been impacted nationally, primarily due to avian flu, making the situation more difficult.

The hunger crisis is ongoing. Arthur emphasized that demand for food assistance is at an all-time high.

To cope with the loss of funding, the organization is making efforts to work closely with food donors. They are also encouraging food pantries to help people find alternatives to protein-rich foods and to share creative recipes.

Beans are one alternative protein substitute that can be useful, according to Arthur. He remains hopeful that they will secure enough fresh produce to meet community needs.

Those in need of food should continue to support their local pantries and soup kitchens, Arthur advised. Together, the community can navigate these challenges.