Millions of dollars worth of food deliveries to food banks in six states have reportedly been abandoned without explanation—a move by the Trump administration that could severely impact organizations struggling to meet the needs of families across the country.
According to a new Politico report, the decision to cancel $500 million in allocated funds for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Emergency Food Assistance Program follows two other major cuts to food aid programs. These cuts eliminated over $1 billion in federal funding meant for schools and food banks to purchase goods from local farms.
More: Lauren Boebert Baselessly Claims George Soros Funds Federal Judges Blocking Trump
More: Chuck Schumer Faces Backlash on ‘The View’ for GOP Funding Vote: “You Caved,” Says Hostin
“The collective cuts are expected to make it more difficult for food banks to meet families’ needs, with food prices now 20 percent higher than they were in 2020,” food bank leaders told Politico. Joree Novotny, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, voiced her concern after reporting canceled deliveries.
“I certainly look at our lines and look at our shelves and say we need some relief,” she told the publication, noting that her organization has received no indication of when—or if—deliveries will resume. Cathy Kanefsky, president of the Food Bank of Delaware, revealed that “between 20 to 24 full truckloads of food” expected over the next four months have been scrapped.
Meanwhile, Natalie Caples, co-CEO of the Central California Food Bank, reported that the canceled orders represent a loss of approximately $850,000 worth of food—or about 500,000 pounds of supplies. In West Virginia, Chad Morrison, president of the Mountaineer Food Bank, described the situation as “really challenging” given the state’s high demand for food assistance.
More: DOJ Defies Federal Judge’s Order, Refuses to Disclose Details of Trump-Ordered Deportation Flights
More: Trump Claims Ceasefire Agreement with Putin, but Analysts Say Russia Got Exactly What It Wanted
“We can try to figure out how to make up the gaps, which is a hard lift, or ultimately there’s less food on the table,” Morrison said. The unexpected withdrawal of funding and supplies is expected to put additional pressure on already strained food banks, forcing them to rely more heavily on donations and local resources. With inflation driving up food prices and demand for assistance remaining high, the cuts could leave many vulnerable families without the support they desperately need.
For You:
- Washington Handyman Allegedly Kills Elderly Employer with Nail Gun Just Hours After Sharing Dinner
- Blake Lively Opens Up About ‘Lowest Lows’ Amid Legal Battle
- Is This a Joke?’: Joe Biden Slammed for Making TV Comeback on The View After White House Exit
- Ben Affleck reportedly Eyes High Profile Romance with Angelina Jolie after JLo Split
- 3-Year-Old Girl Dies Hours After Being Sent Home for ‘Rash