How the Loss of USDA Funding Will Impact Whatcom Food Banks and Our Community

Recent cuts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are set to impact food banks in Whatcom County significantly. Local food banks are already expressing concerns that these changes will mean “a lot less food for hungry people.”

The USDA recently scrapped the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) for 2025. This program was crucial for food banks, providing $500 million this year for purchasing food from local growers. Whatcom County expected to receive about $180,000 from this initiative—funds that will no longer be available.

In response to rising demand, the Bellingham Food Bank advocated for more funding, leading to a commitment of $750,000 annually for the next two years from the Whatcom County Council. They had initially sought $2 million a year to better serve the community. The council recognized food insecurity as a public health priority and called for increased state and federal support.

However, a USDA spokesperson stated that the LFPA “no longer effectuate the goals of the agency,” signaling a shift back to long-term funding practices post-pandemic. This decision is concerning for food banks that already face uncertainties regarding The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEDAP) funding.

In late February, Mike Cohen, executive director of the Bellingham Food Bank, reported issues with funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), a vital supporter of TEDAP. Just last month, a $4 million food order meant for distribution among Washington state food banks faced suspension and review. Approximately $200,000 of that order was to come to Whatcom County food banks.

According to Daniel Schafer from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, the future of that food order is uncertain. “We do not know if these will be canceled or if USDA review will allow them back into the normal process, which could lead to delays,” he explained.

The CCC typically funds 30% to 40% of the food for TEDAP in Washington. If these funds do not return, Whatcom Food Bank Network stands to lose roughly $650,000 worth of food annually that it previously received at no cost. Cohen raised alarm about the timing, highlighting that the reduction or potential end of these critical anti-hunger programs could not come at a worse moment.

As the need for food assistance continues to grow, Cohen expressed concern about future funding. “We must ensure all community members have access to food. If the federal government continues to step back, we will need continued or increased support from local governments to fill the gaps, or there will simply be less food available,” he stated.

In recent years, food insecurity has been escalating. A recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau indicated that nearly 10% of American households faced food insecurity in 2021. Statistics show that this issue does not just affect low-income families but increasingly impacts middle-class families as well. The struggle for access to nutritious food is a growing challenge for many, underscoring the urgent need for robust community support.

Understanding the historical context also provides insight. The CCC was established during the Great Depression in 1933 to help stabilize farm income and prices. Today, its role remains critical in supporting food assistance programs, proving essential as food insecurity issues evolve.

As the conversation continues around hunger and food access, it’s clear that community-level action and robust advocacy will be vital in addressing these growing challenges.

Check out this related article: NH Food Bank Faces USDA Funding Cuts: How Pandemic-Era Programs Impact Local Farmers – Insights from Manchester Ink Link

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