Urgent Alert: Midwest Food Banks Fear Crisis If SNAP Funding Cuts Are Approved in Budget Bill

Harvesters, known as The Community Food Network, plays a vital role in providing meals to food banks across ten counties in Missouri and seventeen in Kansas, all surrounding Kansas City. With food insecurity rising, CEO Stephen Davis notes that the need is higher than it’s been in over a decade, even exceeding demand during the pandemic.

Every year, Harvesters supplies roughly 55 million meals. However, for each meal they provide, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers nine meals. This highlights the reliance on government assistance. Davis painted a picture of local churches and nonprofits struggling to keep up as demand spikes. As more neighbors seek help, food donations aren’t growing at the same pace.

In Des Moines, Illinois, food pantries are feeling the strain too. Luke Elzinga, the policy and advocacy manager for the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC), reports that demand surged after pandemic benefits were slashed. Although the rate of increase has slowed, the need remains high across Iowa. Elzinga anticipates that further proposed cuts to SNAP and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs could worsen the situation.

The Food Bank for the Heartland serves Nebraska and parts of Iowa, facing similar challenges. Director Tim Williams indicates that demand is now even higher than during COVID-19, especially in rural areas where resources are more limited. Despite a low unemployment rate—around 3% in Nebraska—many seeking assistance are employed but still struggle to make ends meet due to rising living costs.

Surprisingly, food insecurity isn’t just an employment issue. At DMARC, only about 15% of pantry visitors are unemployed. Many are working full or part-time jobs but find that their incomes fall short. Children are disproportionately affected, making up a significant portion of those relying on food banks. More seniors, too, are turning to these resources as their fixed incomes struggle against rising prices.

In addition to increasing demand, food banks face challenges from federal budget cuts. The USDA recently froze $500 million in food deliveries under the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), impacting food banks nationwide. Heartland lost over $2 million in planned food supplies, vital items like dairy and fresh produce. This freeze affects those in dire need, as basic staples are often the most sought-after.

Research suggests that cuts to SNAP may lead to a $24 billion loss in farm revenue over a decade. Many food banks depend on these programs not just for distribution but also to support local farmers. Their interconnected roles illustrate the wider implication of food assistance programs and how they impact both the hungry and the agricultural community.

As communities navigate these challenges, individuals and organizations continue to share resources and support. The conversation around food insecurity needs to shift, highlighting that many who visit food banks are working hard to provide for their families but still need help.

For further information on food assistance and support, you can visit the USDA’s website on nutrition assistance programs at USDA SNAP.

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