USDA Budget Cuts Deepen Food Bank Struggles as Hunger Rates Climb

Recent federal cuts to USDA programs have reduced food supplies and funding for food banks, forcing them to seek private donations to address growing demand.

The Trump administration has paused $500 million in Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funding and canceled the $500 million Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program.
Food banks nationwide report significant reductions in USDA food deliveries, with some organizations estimating millions in losses and diminished supplies of staples like produce, meat, and dairy.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley has seen abrupt cancellations of USDA food shipments, which historically accounted for 10% of its supply.
The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank estimates it will need $300,000 to replace 680,000 pounds of lost USDA food deliveries through June.
With U.S. hunger rates at their highest in nearly a decade, food banks are relying on private donations to offset federal funding cuts while struggling to meet increased demand.

Cleveland Plain Dealer