Join the Conversation: Addressing Federal Cuts and the Rising Demand at Local Food Banks on May 9

As federal and state budget cuts loom, many local agencies that support our community—especially those focused on food assistance—are facing uncertainty. This important topic will be addressed at the upcoming Community Forum on Friday, May 9. Key speakers include Phil Alonso, Executive Director of the Interfaith Food Ministry, and Julie Thornbury from the Food Bank of Nevada County. The event is free and will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in auditorium N-12 at the Sierra College Nevada County campus. Lorraine Jewett, a local journalist, will moderate the discussion.

Jewett emphasizes the pressing concerns around rising food prices and potential budget cuts. “Local communities want to know how this will affect families relying on these vital services,” she notes.

Interfaith Food Ministry has been a lifeline for families in Western Nevada County for over 30 years. Their mission is straightforward: to ensure that families in need receive essential groceries. They work closely with local farms and grocery stores to source food, demonstrating the power of community partnerships. Similarly, the Food Bank of Nevada County has been making a difference since 1986 by distributing food to those in need.

This Community Forum, sponsored by the Sierra College Foundation, serves as a platform for exploring crucial issues facing our community and neighboring areas. They host several discussions each year, and though there will be a break over the summer, they will return in August. Past sessions are available for viewing at the [Sierra College website](http://www.sierracollege.edu/ncc).

With these organizations facing new challenges, understanding their impact on local families has never been more important. As food insecurity rises—affecting one in ten Americans, according to recent USDA data—engagement from the community can make a significant difference. Staying informed and involved is vital in these times of change.

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