President Donald Trump‘s federal government cuts are creating ripple effects that reach America‘s most vulnerable, including individuals who are food insecure.
The Food Bank of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, N.C. will lose $1 million, equal to 500,000 pounds of food, because of U.S. Department of Agriculture cuts.
“And we’re trying to figure out how we’re going to replace that food right now,” said Brian Gray, Communications & Volunteer Manager for Food Bank of the Albemarle.
The food bank will have to make up the difference with fundraising efforts and food sourcing.
“The need in our communities hasn’t changed, where over 43,000 of our neighbors (1 in 7) need food assistance and are visiting food pantries across our region daily,” Gray said. Food Bank of the Albemarle serves 15 counties in northeastern North Carolina.
According to Gray, total cuts to the Federal Nutrition program could eliminate 3,325,000 pounds of food equivalent to 2,770,833 meals or 38 percent of the food bank’s annual distribution. An estimated nine meals for every one meal provided by hunger relief programs are provided by SNAP.
“Food banks and food pantries cannot make up the difference,” Gray said.
The food bank is also concerned about the future of USDA programs through the Farm Bill, which includes food programs that stock the pantries of hunger relief partners.
“What is unknown at this time is whether future cuts will be made that affect our seniors, veterans, children and families: all of whom rely on the food bank and their local food pantry to access the nutritious food they need,” Gray said.
What is known is that community partners and AFP readers can help by donating funds to continue to source and distribute nutritious food throughout the 15 counties the food bank serves. Gray said that every $5 donated is equal to 15 meals that the food bank can provide in N.C. communities.
“Our supporters must contact their state and local representatives and let them know that these significant cuts will have a lasting impact on the quantity and quality of food available,” Gray said.
The food bank’s mission is to fight hunger and poverty in 15 county service area in northeast North Carolina. The food bank serves as a regional collector and distributor of food and grocery items to more than 100 non-profit and faith-based organizations for 155 food programs, and to individuals needing assistance.
“Together we can ensure that everyone has the dignity to access the food they want, and provide for their families,” Gray said.
Share
Rebecca Barnabi
