How Federal Funding Cuts Are Impacting Food Pantries: What You Need to Know

Albany, N.Y. — The Regional Food Bank is facing significant federal cuts, which means a loss of 8 million pounds of food. This drastic reduction will likely strain local food pantries that rely on these supplies.

Food pantries provide meals and essential ingredients at no charge, but consistent demand makes it hard to keep shelves stocked. In just one year, from 2023 to 2024, the number of people seeking help from pantries in the Capital Region increased by 52%. This surge highlights the growing need for food assistance in our communities.

Local food pantries are pushing for more funding in the state’s 2025 budget, but they are skeptical about how much could offset the federal cuts. Natasha Pernicka, Executive Director of Alliance for a Hunger Free New York, notes a concerning trend:

“A lot of people don’t realize that food pantries spend a lot to ensure they have nutritious and varied food. My fear is that we’ll revert to a ‘get what you get’ system, which doesn’t provide the dignity or healthy options that people deserve.”

Advocates are calling for nearly full funding for state programs like HDNAP and Nourish New York, as well as increased SNAP benefits to help families in need.

This situation resonates with a broader trend. Recent data from Feeding America shows that food insecurity rates are high across the nation. In 2022, about 34 million people, including roughly 9 million children, experienced food scarcity. The economic pressures post-pandemic—rising prices and job instability—have further exacerbated these challenges.

Local food pantries are crucial lifelines in these tough times. Several studies show that communities with robust food assistance programs tend to recover better during economic downturns. It’s a reminder that ensuring access to wholesome food is essential for overall community health and well-being.

For more information on local food pantries, visit this map of food pantries.

Check out this related article: Transforming Education: How Students are Cultivating Food Sustainability at School – Insights from The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

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Federal cuts,Food pantries,Regional Food Bank,Assistance,Funding,Nutritious food,Capital Region,SNAP benefits