As the Trump Administration continues to shrink the federal government, some of the programs on the chopping block help fund food banks across the country.Now, the Maryland Food Bank fears what it means for the millions of food-insecure Marylanders they serve.Free food is vital to more Marylanders than you may realize. Research by the Maryland Food Bank shows more than a third of Maryland families say they sometimes or often don’t have enough food to feed their kids, according to Meg Kimmel.Two USDA programs have suddenly been cut, which were significant sources of funds to help food-insecure families.The cuts get rid of more than $4 million in terms of buying power for the Maryland Food Bank.The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement and the Emergency Feeding Program came about during the pandemic.The programs send federal dollars straight to the Maryland food bank – which then purchases fresh produce and proteins from local farmers — and provides the food free to those in need.Growing and buying fresh local produce is nothing new for the food bank, but “These programs have allowed us to expand that, not only in terms of the volume and quantity of pounds we distribute, but the variety,” Kimmel said.Moon Valley Farm in Frederick County provides produce to Maryland school kids, and will also feel the pain of USDA cuts.”This program is serving the community, it’s supporting farmers, it’s stabilizing our operations at a time when our costs are rising,” said Emma Jacobs, a farmer.”These programs are a win-win when they’re running, and we couldn’t love them anymore. So, we’re really happy and proud to be advocates for food-insecure Marylanders, and also for farmers and producers,” Kimmel said. “Without farmers and farms, we don’t have a strong food system, and without a strong food system, more people will be food insecure.”
As the Trump Administration continues to shrink the federal government, some of the programs on the chopping block help fund food banks across the country.
Now, the Maryland Food Bank fears what it means for the millions of food-insecure Marylanders they serve.
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Free food is vital to more Marylanders than you may realize. Research by the Maryland Food Bank shows more than a third of Maryland families say they sometimes or often don’t have enough food to feed their kids, according to Meg Kimmel.
Two USDA programs have suddenly been cut, which were significant sources of funds to help food-insecure families.
The cuts get rid of more than $4 million in terms of buying power for the Maryland Food Bank.
The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement and the Emergency Feeding Program came about during the pandemic.
The programs send federal dollars straight to the Maryland food bank – which then purchases fresh produce and proteins from local farmers — and provides the food free to those in need.
Growing and buying fresh local produce is nothing new for the food bank, but “These programs have allowed us to expand that, not only in terms of the volume and quantity of pounds we distribute, but the variety,” Kimmel said.
Moon Valley Farm in Frederick County provides produce to Maryland school kids, and will also feel the pain of USDA cuts.
“This program is serving the community, it’s supporting farmers, it’s stabilizing our operations at a time when our costs are rising,” said Emma Jacobs, a farmer.
“These programs are a win-win when they’re running, and we couldn’t love them anymore. So, we’re really happy and proud to be advocates for food-insecure Marylanders, and also for farmers and producers,” Kimmel said. “Without farmers and farms, we don’t have a strong food system, and without a strong food system, more people will be food insecure.”
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