Food Banks Face Uncertainty as USDA Suspends Funding

(Washington D.C.)  The USDA suspended $500 million in funding for food banks across America.

The agency said the previous administration “created unsustainable expectations for the Emergency Food Assistance Program” and pointed to spending authority under the Commodity Credit Corporation. Food banks are now left wondering if they will be able to receive any food from the USDA in the near future.

Annette Hacker, vice president of strategy and communications with the Food Bank of Iowa, said this makes donations more important than ever.

Even though things look rough right now, Hacker said she still believes in the abilities of communities across the state to help their neighbors and keep them from going hungry.

All donations are appreciated, and every little bit helps. Hacker said the best donation for them to receive is monetary donations, as they can stretch dollars further than any of us can.

Hacker also added that this emphasizes how important it is for lawmakers to get a bipartisan Farm Bill approved, which will help solidify funding for food banks.