USDA halts food shipments, leaving Mid-Michigan food banks scrambling

SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) – Food banks across Mid-Michigan are bracing for a tough road ahead after the U.S. Department of Agriculture froze shipments of hundreds of thousands of pounds of food, leaving organizations struggling to find alternative sources to feed those in need.

The decision has already begun to affect local food distribution centers like the East Side Soup Kitchen in Saginaw, which relies on shipments from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

“Food Bank of Eastern Michigan supplies us with a semi-load of food, usually on a monthly basis, and that semi has about 20,000 pounds of food on it,” said Diane Keenan, executive director of the soup kitchen.

With the loss of federal shipments, food banks must turn to local donations, state support, and increased fundraising efforts to keep up with demand.

“We’re going to have to increase our fundraising right now, I’m working on four grants and hope that the community will come out and support us,” Keenan said.

The USDA freeze is part of a nationwide funding pause affecting food banks across the country. This comes at a time when many organizations are already dealing with the end of pandemic-era assistance programs and rising food costs, making it even harder to keep shelves stocked and meals served.

Community organizations like Saginaw’s Moose Lodge 82, are stepping in to help fill the gap.

“We donated a whole van full of food this month. So, we want to keep doing it. We will have another one in about four months, for them to help them out,” said Steven Root, President of Moose Lodge 82.

According to Keenan, the Moose Lodge contributed more than $4,000 to the East Side Soup Kitchen, as well as over 200 pounds of food. While these efforts help, food banks say more support is needed.

For those looking for ways to donate or support the East Side Soup Kitchen, visit their website, or contact them at 989-755-3663.

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