Big Cuts to Local Food Programs Impact Helena Food Share
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has made a significant change by cutting more than $1 billion that was meant to support schools and food pantries in buying from local farmers. This move, reported by Politico and the School Nutrition Association, will directly affect how Helena Food Share sources its food from Montana producers.
Specifically, the cuts include $660 million from the Local Food for Schools Program and $500 million from the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA). These programs are vital for helping food pantries, including Helena Food Share, provide fresh food to the community.
Helena Food Share relied on LFPA funding, receiving $200,000 since 2022 to purchase local foods for programs like grocery share, kids’ packs, and emergency food packs. Kim Dale, the Program Director at Helena Food Share, emphasizes that access to food is a basic human right. “Our mission is to create a hunger-free community,” she said, showing just how important these funds are for their efforts.
Tim Joyce, Development Director of Helena Food Share, added that this loss will reduce their ability to buy fresh products from local Montana farms. "Without those federal dollars, we simply can’t purchase as much fresh food as before,” he explained.
In 2024, community support became even more crucial. Around 64% of the food distributed by Helena Food Share came from donations. This accurate reflection of community involvement shows how much local support matters when federal funding decreases.
Experts underscore the broader implications of these cuts. According to a recent report by Feeding America, food insecurity is rising nationwide, with 34 million people facing hunger in the U.S. in 2022. This number is expected to grow as economic pressures increase. Programs like LFPA are essential in fighting this trend by ensuring that food pantries can keep their shelves stocked with nutritious options.
The conversation around food security is trending on social media as more people are aware of the challenges facing food programs. Users share stories and urge their communities to support local food initiatives. This grassroots engagement can make a difference, fostering a stronger support system when federal funding lags.
In summary, the funding cuts by the USDA have serious consequences for food security in Helena and beyond. Local food programs will need community backing more than ever to continue providing for those in need. Supporting local farmers and food initiatives is crucial to ensure a sustainable solution to hunger in our communities.
For more information, you can read Politico’s article here or visit the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance page here.
Check out this related article: How USDA Funding Cuts Will Affect Long Island Food Banks: What You Need to Know
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