Federal funding cuts are hitting food banks hard at a time when demand is soaring. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently ended two significant programs that provided over $1 billion to help food banks and schools buy local food. This includes the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, which helped states buy food from local farmers for community food banks. The USDA is also cutting The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funding by $500 million.
Charla Irwin-Buncher from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank stated that these cuts will cost them $1.6 million each year, which translates to nearly 2.9 million pounds of food—like eggs, milk, and meat—lost from local farms. Last year, their food bank distributed 44.4 million pounds of food, with 11.3 million pounds sourced from government funds.
Irwin-Buncher highlighted the bigger picture, saying, “This is certainly hitting our agricultural community just as much. Local farmers have depended on LFPA.” The cuts come when food banks across the nation are experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand. She mentioned, “This will be one of the largest years the food bank has on record, even surpassing the pandemic years. People are struggling with rising costs and often have to choose between essentials.”
The impact is felt in many communities. In Fayette County, Jessica Hajek-Bates from the local food bank noted that they served 2,100 households last month, feeling the pinch from the USDA cuts. Despite these challenges, she expressed determination to serve their community by exploring alternative food sources.
In response to these significant funding cuts, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced plans to appeal the decision to end the LFPA program. This program was expected to allocate $13 million over three years to buy local fresh food, supporting 189 farms and 14 food banks.
Nationally, the nonprofit FoodCorps also expressed disappointment, underscoring the importance of fresh, locally sourced produce for children’s nutrition. They highlighted that funding cuts could negatively impact both local farmers and children’s health.
As food banks face these challenges, they continue to rely on community support. Irwin-Buncher emphasized the significance of local partnerships, stating, “Community members are coming together to ensure that our neighbors have enough to eat.”
Food insecurity is becoming a pressing issue, and it’s essential for everyone to recognize its importance. Supporting local food banks through donations or volunteering can help address this critical concern.
Looking at recent data, a survey from Feeding America highlighted that 1 in 6 Americans could face food insecurity this year. It’s clear that as economic conditions fluctuate, collaboration between local farms, food banks, and community members will be vital.
For those interested in more information or looking to support local efforts, you can find details at Feeding America’s website.
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