In February, we shared that food banks in our area were struggling with a remarkable increase in demand. Since then, things have taken a turn for the worse. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recently cut its Commodity Credit Corporation food purchasing program, adding another hurdle for these essential services.
Carolyn Stein, Executive Director of FOOD For Lane County, highlights the impact of this decision. The program’s cancellation means a loss of about 15% of their food inventory, focusing mainly on staple items like meat, eggs, dairy, and fresh produce. These are often the most costly items for those living paycheck to paycheck. Stein notes that she is currently budgeting for the next fiscal year under the assumption that these vital food items will not be available.
Demand at food pantries in Lane County has surged, with a staggering 101% increase since last year. This rise in need is unprecedented, and local organizations are doing all they can to keep up.
Adding to the challenges, the Local Food for Schools program has also been discontinued. This program directly supported local farmers by facilitating the delivery of fresh produce to schools, ensuring children had access to healthy meals.
The cancellation of these programs doesn’t just hurt food banks; it also impacts farmers who expected to sell their produce to schools and food assistance programs. Without the expected purchasing capability, many farmers are left grappling with unsold food and lost revenue.
Stein emphasizes the continued importance of donations. Each dollar donated to FOOD For Lane County provides two meals. This organization serves around 12,000 households in Lane County every month—amounting to about 80,000 individuals annually, including seniors, children, veterans, and families.
In light of these developments, state lawmakers are stepping up. Recently, 18 Democratic senators from Oregon sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, urging a reversal of the cuts to food bank funding. They implore the federal government not to overlook those in need, suggesting that support should prioritize struggling families over further tax reductions for the wealthy.
For more insights into Oregon’s Local Food Purchase Assistance programs, you can check out this detailed report. The situation remains critical as communities rally together to support those facing food insecurity during challenging times.
Check out this related article: Unlocking Produce Quality: What ‘Fancy’ and ‘Extra Fancy’ Really Mean According to USDA Standards
Source link