FACES Faces Hardship After Funding Cuts
FACES Food Pantry has been a lifeline for many in Prince Edward, Charlotte, and Cumberland counties. In 2024, they assisted 2,455 individuals, distributing an impressive 400,000 pounds of fresh produce. But a recent federal funding cut has created a significant challenge for this essential service.
The program that provided support, known as the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, was terminated as part of a $1 billion budget cut by the USDA. This program was essential for acquiring fresh and minimally processed foods from local farms. It helped FACES provide nutritious options to families struggling with food insecurity.
Previously, this grant was vital in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing supply chain issues that hit vulnerable communities the hardest. Initially funded by the American Rescue Plan, it allowed FACES to work with 183 local farmers to source food for those in need. Virginia was set to receive over $13 million from this program for 2025. Unfortunately, federal officials recently announced that this funding would cease, leaving food pantries like FACES to seek alternatives.
FACES has been operational since 1981, providing food assistance to families with incomes up to 250% above the poverty line. Co-president Paul Baker points out that many clients are hardworking individuals whose jobs do not pay enough, as well as retirees on fixed incomes. This program was a lifeline that enabled them to access fresh produce, critical for combatting health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
The pantry currently distributes food weekly and collaborates with organizations to support temporarily homeless individuals. Their efforts also extend to a backpack program that helps children avoid hunger over weekends. However, with the USDA grant cut, FACES is now grappling with reduced access to healthy food.
"We can’t enroll new seniors in our Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which has provided essential food to those over 60,” Paul explains. The cuts also impact the Federal Emergency Assistance Program, which has supplied considerable quantities of food essential for distribution.
The impact of these funding changes is already being felt across the community. FACES has been a part of the Healthy Pantry Initiative, promoting better nutrition among their clients to tackle chronic health issues. Losing the USDA grant jeopardizes their ability to support this program, which is crucial for improving the health outcomes of those they serve.
In response to the cuts, Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine have urged the USDA to reconsider its decision. In a letter, they emphasized that local farmers and low-income families depend on this support for access to fresh food.
Community support is vital during this crisis. Baker is reaching out to various stakeholders to highlight FACES’ needs. "The generosity of the community has helped us immensely,” he shares. “This year, we may need an extra push as we ask our neighbors to help those who are struggling.”
As FACES navigates these challenges, the need for support remains critical. While federal assistance has dried up, local charities and individuals can make a substantial difference.
It’s a testament to the resilience of communities when they come together to care for one another. With increased challenges, FACES and others like them will continue striving to ensure that no one goes hungry in these tough times.
For more information on how to help, you can visit FACES Food Pantry.
Check out this related article: Ultimate Guide to Safely Canning Your Homegrown Harvest: Tips and Techniques for Fresh Preservation
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