New Hampshire Food Bank Faces Major Funding Cuts
The New Hampshire Food Bank is bracing for significant changes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ends key funding programs. These programs, started during the pandemic, helped schools and food banks nationwide buy over $1 billion worth of food from local farmers.
One of the programs affected is the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). A USDA statement emphasized that with the pandemic now in the past, funding will reflect this new reality. This shift means that vital programs like New Hampshire Feeding New Hampshire, which supplies food to over 400 local agencies, will lose much-needed support.
Dominique Rust from Catholic Charities NH, which runs the Food Bank, expressed concern. She mentioned that the nearly $1 million allocated for New Hampshire was expected to last until 2028. Rust noted, “This funding loss affects our agencies. It affects farmers as well as those who are obviously food insecure throughout New Hampshire.”
To compound this issue, the Food Bank will also face increased costs due to tariffs on food sourced from Canadian vendors, like Western Harvest. This could lead to a 7-15% rise in prices, putting additional strain on resources.
Under current agreements, the Food Bank collaborates with 250 local producers. They buy a diverse range of food, spending 50% of their funding on fresh produce, and 35% on dairy and protein sources like meat and eggs. At least 10% is aimed at purchasing culturally relevant foods for immigrant communities in New Hampshire.
The USDA’s decision has sparked reactions online, highlighting a growing concern among community members and local organizations about food insecurity. Many on social media are sharing their disappointment, calling for more sustainable food policies that prioritize local farmers and vulnerable populations.
As food insecurity rates rise across the nation, programs like the LFPA have become crucial in connecting communities with healthy food options. The discontinuation of such support raises questions about how states can adapt to ensure access to nutritious food for everyone.
For further details on the cuts to LFPA awards across the states, you can view the USDA chart.
Check out this related article: How Federal Food Funding Cuts Are Affecting Wisconsinites: A Closer Look at the Impact
Source link