Food banks throughout the nation are facing reductions in federal funds, with organizations like the Vermont Foodbank being affected as well.
This follows The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to reduce $1 billion in federal support for schools, food banks, and various food aid initiatives.
Subscribe to our NewslettersJohn Sayles, CEO of the Vermont Foodbank, mentioned that the USDA had initially allocated funds for The Emergency and Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), accounting for roughly 20% of their financial support. However, these funds were withdrawn due to budget reductions. He stated they learned about this change just last week.
In the absence of federal funding, fewer nutritious, healthy, perishable foods will be accessible to community members and families served by the 300 partner programs statewide.
Sayles expresses his worry regarding the effects these alterations might have on Vermont overall, emphasizing that safeguarding nutritious food for seniors, disabled students, and employed residents of Vermont continues to be their primary focus.
Currently, the Vermont Foodbank is appealing to the state legislature with hopes that they might assist in alleviating some of the financial hurdles they're encountering. While they aren’t anticipating full reimbursement from the state, they aim for policy changes that would simplify food accessibility for individuals.
Members of the community have the option to contribute funds, offer their time as volunteers, or become actively engaged in various initiatives. Vermont Foodbank and its network partners by visiting their website.
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READ THE FULL STORY: The Vermont Foodbank has lost 20% of its food supply because of federal reductions.
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