AUBURN, Ala. (WTVM) – The Food Bank of East Alabama is facing cuts from federal grants that may impact its ability to provide food to the hungry. Many federal agencies are experiencing cuts – including the USDA.
According to the Executive Director of the local food bank, Martha Henk, the cuts are coming at a time where food insecurity in east Alabama is at an all-time high.
“You look at less food, you look at more hungry people, and you’ve got a problem,” Henk said.
The United States Department of Agriculture is seeing a one billion dollar cut. Among other things, they provide food to food banks across the country. Henk says the cuts are having a significant impact on their food supply.
“It makes for very sparse inventory for us,” she said. “But even more concerning, sparse inventory that we have to pass on to the people in need.”
Henk says food insecurity has risen 19.8% in Lee County, in just one year. She says every one in five people in the food banks coverage area are considered food insecure. Henk says in 2024 the USDA supplied over one million pounds of food to East Alabama.
“There are a lot of farmers that are really struggling because USDA gets products from American Farmers, buys it and puts it into the system to support food banks and school lunches as well,” Henk added.
The food bank is asking for donations to help keep the food bank stocked. Courtney Ransom visited the food pantry at Auburn United Methodist Church. She says the food pantry allows her to keep her pantry full and without it.
“Food will get low quick especially with how high food is in grocery stores. This is very helpful, kind of like filling in the gap,” Ransom said.
“I really do believe that God doesn’t call us to be successful but to be faithful,” said Henk. “And whatever he’s put in our hands, if we have some extra to share, now is the time to step up and share what we can.”
If you would like to donate non-perishable food items to the Food Bank of East Alabama, drop-off bins can be found in various grocery stores in the area. You can also drop off non-perishable items at the Food Bank of East Alabama warehouse in Auburn.
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