LFPA grant cuts could impact food pantries in Mid-Michigan

CHARLOTTE, Mich. (WILX) – Local food pantries are asking for help after federal cuts eliminated a food assistance program.

The program is known as Local Food Purchase Assistance or LFPA. It was set to distribute 500 million dollars across the country.

“That’s going to impact food banks, Feeding America, our local farmers who are growing those produce,” said Amanda Thompson, Executive Director of Helping Hands Food Pantry.

Michigan was set to receive just over 11 and a half million dollars from the program.

While the cut doesn’t directly impact local pantries, they’ll feel the ripple effects.

“It’s going to cost more money to be able to feed the same amount of people,” said Thompson.

Food Pantries like Helping Hands are asking for donations to keep their operations running, so they can keep stocking shelves and filling fridges.

“I’m ultimately going to trust that God has got it all figured out, but in the meantime we’re going to communicate that need and let our community know we need you to stand beside us,” said Thompson.

For more information on how to donate to Helping Hands Food Pantry, click here.

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