How USDA Cuts Threaten Food Security and Undermine Nutrition for Our Most Vulnerable Communities

In Southeast Michigan, food banks are feeling the strain as federal support declines. Many families are turning to these organizations for help, but Gleaners Community Food Bank, established in 1979, is facing a significant challenge. This year, they expect to receive a million pounds less food due to cuts in USDA programs designed to purchase surplus food from local farmers.

Kristin Sokul from Gleaners points out that this funding gap is approximately $850,000. If it remains unaddressed, around 25,000 households could miss out on help over the next year. Nationally, the situation is similarly dire. Marlene Schwartz, director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, highlights that recent USDA cuts represent over a billion dollars less in support for community food systems. This funding typically helps food banks and schools buy food locally, a vital resource for families in need.

A significant portion of the cuts comes from the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which has traditionally supplied food to food banks across the country. Gleaners and many local food pantries benefit from purchases made from regional farmers, which support both the agricultural community and families experiencing hunger.

While Gleaners uses a centralized model to distribute food across five counties, Forgotten Harvest takes a different approach. Founded initially as a food rescue organization, it secures surplus food from grocery stores and farms before distributing it to those in need. CEO Adrian Lewis mentioned they’ve absorbed cuts of about $740,000 this year, equating to roughly 400,000 fewer pounds of food available.

Despite relying on diverse funding sources, both organizations feel the pressure of these federal cutbacks. Forgotten Harvest, for instance, is grateful for the support from the Michigan Agricultural Surplus System, which helps cover costs for transporting excess crops. This state initiative provides a crucial lifeline, allowing organizations to sustain operations amidst federal reductions.

The drop in available food is affecting the nutritional quality that food banks can provide. As Sokul explains, lean proteins and dairy, which are essential but costly, are becoming harder to source. If funding cuts continue, families may receive less food overall, with distributions potentially decreasing from an average of about 40 pounds to just 35.

Addressing nutrition is essential because families relying on food assistance are at higher risk for illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes. National efforts are underway to improve the nutritional quality of food provided by food banks, as these assistances do more than just supply meals. They help families free up funds for other living expenses, such as rent and utilities.

Looking ahead, Lewis expresses concern about the upcoming Farm Bill, which governs key funding for programs like TEFAP and SNAP. “If these issues aren’t resolved, it could be overwhelming for us,” he states, acknowledging the lengthy delays in renewing this significant piece of legislation.

In response to these challenges, Gleaners and Forgotten Harvest are focused on collaboration, regularly communicating with other agencies to share resources and support each other. They are also ramping up fundraising efforts to sustain services. Community support is essential, whether through donations of food, funds, or time.

In times of uncertainty, the resilience of these organizations and their commitment to serving the community remains strong. "Hunger can happen at any time to anyone," Lewis reminds us, highlighting the ongoing need to assist those in distress.

For more detailed statistics on food insecurity and programs supporting families, visit the USDA website on food assistance programs.

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USDA cuts, food banks, Gleaners Community Food Bank, Forgotten Harvest, TEFAP, Southeast Michigan, food insecurity, local farmers, nutrition access, federal funding