Food Banks Nationwide Face Funding Cuts Amid Rising Demand

Food banks across the United States are facing increased demand amid sharp cuts in federal funding, particularly to the USDA's Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). These cuts, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, have resulted in fewer staple foods like meat, dairy, and eggs being available to food banks, affecting both urban and rural communities. Local donations have also declined, further straining resources for organizations that serve vulnerable populations including seniors, families, and children. In response, some communities, especially in rural and tribal areas, are turning to locally grown food and gardening initiatives to supplement shortages. Food bank leaders warn that additional reductions to programs like SNAP could intensify food insecurity and drive even more people to seek help. Despite the funding setbacks, food banks are working to expand outreach and adapt by collaborating with local growers and calling for greater community support.