How Food Banks Are Adapting to a $500 Million Funding Cut from the USDA: Strategies and Solutions Explored

As President Donald Trump’s administration works to combat inflation through budget cuts, vital programs that provide healthy food to Americans are now at risk. Two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiatives that support local food purchases for schools and food banks have seen cuts exceeding $1 billion for 2025.

The USDA is slashing $660 million from school food programs and an additional $500 million, part of the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which is vital for food banks. These funds help cover the costs that food banks rely on to serve millions facing hunger. Many food banks had already placed orders using these funds, and now they face cancellations.

To get a clearer picture, TODAY.com spoke to several regional food banks and Feeding America. Their insights reveal the immediate and serious effects of these cuts. For example, the Food Bank of South Jersey typically depends on USDA for about 20% of its food. In Washington, D.C., the Capital Area Food Bank relies on USDA for between 25-30% of its supply, translating to around 14 million meals.

Food Bank for the Heartland shared that the cuts could affect over 1.6 million people and nearly 600,000 households this year across Nebraska and Iowa. The president and CEO of Food Bank for the Heartland, Brian Barks, estimates the loss will mean 434,000 fewer meals in Nebraska and 76,000 in Iowa.

Melissa Sobolik, the CEO of Great Plains Food Bank, reported a significant loss — about $1.3 million in food, which limits their ability to serve those in need. Meanwhile, the Food Bank of Iowa had 16 truckloads of food that were uncertain, which later got canceled entirely.

Some food banks remain hopeful about the situation. For example, Feeding Tampa Bay’s CEO Thomas Mantz believes they won’t lose everything, but the cuts are undoubtedly significant. “Philanthropy can’t overcome this loss,” he stated, emphasizing the challenge of relying solely on donations.

Sarah F. Geiger, the senior director at Food Bank of South Jersey, noted that demand for food assistance has surged since the pandemic began, leaving many families struggling. She pointed out that the USDA funding has become essential, especially as traditional donations dwindle.

But it’s not just individuals feeling the pinch. Food banks that work with local farmers provide fresher produce to communities. Programs like the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement help ensure that local farmers benefit while providing nutritious food to those in need.

The USDA’s cuts hurt those already struggling with food insecurity. In 2023, 13.5% of U.S. households, about 18 million, faced food insecurity according to USDA data. Feeding America estimates that figure rises to around 47 million individuals, hitting children and rural communities particularly hard.

Many food banks are actively engaging with local lawmakers to voice their concerns about the cuts. They hope to restore funding by highlighting the impact on families in their communities. A bipartisan approach in Congress is seen as essential for creating a strong farm bill that supports nutrition programs like SNAP and TEFAP.

Food banks are navigating uncertain waters, but their commitment to supporting neighbors is unwavering. “We treat this issue as personal,” Mantz says. “Every person we help is a friend or neighbor.” As the landscape of food assistance changes, maintaining these connections and advocating for strong support will be crucial for the many families relying on these services.

For more detailed statistics on food insecurity, visit the USDA’s Economic Research Service.

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