Latest news with #ShareFoodProgram
Russia Today
a day ago
- Business
- Russia Today
US food poverty doubles in 4 years
Food insecurity among American adults has nearly doubled since 2021, Axios reported on Sunday, citing data from Morning Consult. The striking statistic comes amid steep cuts to federal food assistance programs in the world's largest economy, fueling concerns about the welfare of millions. US President Donald Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' signed into law last week includes $230 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next decade. The legislation imposes stricter work requirements, extending mandates to individuals up to age 64 and reducing exemptions for parents. The proportion of US adults reporting that they sometimes or often do not have enough to eat has been steadily rising in recent years, according to the survey. In May, 15.6% of adults were classified as food insecure, nearly twice the rate recorded in 2021. At that time, expanded SNAP benefits and an enhanced Child Tax Credit had helped reduce poverty and increase access to food. The increase in food insecurity comes as the US economy shows signs of strength and stock markets hit record highs. John Leer, chief economist at Morning Consult, noted a problem: 'There's such a disconnect now between record highs on Wall Street and elevated levels of food insecurity.' In Philadelphia, the Share Food Program, a major food bank network, has reported a 120% increase in demand over the past three years. 'As soon as the government support pulled back in 2022, we started to see the numbers go up,' the outlet quoted Executive Director George Matysik as saying. The situation is likely to worsen following the recent passage of sweeping cuts to the SNAP by Congress requiring states to increase funding and imposes stricter work requirements for recipients. Critics say the changes could strip benefits from millions or reduce the amount of aid they receive. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that expanded work requirements could remove food assistance from 3.2 million people in an average month, the outlet noted. Food banks across the country are reportedly bracing for increased demand as the cuts take effect, the outlet said. Many organizations are already struggling to meet their current needs, and the anticipated rise in food insecurity is expected to strain resources further.
Epoch Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Shapiro Sues USDA Over Termination of Farm-to-Food Bank Program
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) filed a The program, known as the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program, was intended to fund Pennsylvania's local food system through 2027. It supported 189 farms and supplied fresh food to 14 food banks, including the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, where Shapiro announced the legal action Wednesday.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'We Have No Details,' Says Food Program Director As Trump's 'MAHA Boxes' Threaten 730,000 Seniors' Grocery Lifeline
Lack of communication and abrupt changes from President Donald Trump's administration have made it difficult to prepare for the rollout of the Make America Healthy Again food box initiative, according to George Matysik, executive director of Share Food Program. 'We have no details [about logistics of the MAHA food boxes], and this has been a continued challenge that we've had with this administration, where decisions are sort of made overnight,' said Matysik, in comments reported by CBS MoneyWatch on May 7. He added that ongoing uncertainty is making it harder for food organizations to plan ahead. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – The 2026 budget proposal would eliminate the $425 million Commodity Supplemental Food Program, replacing it with "MAHA boxes" sourced directly from U.S. farmers, potentially impacting over 730,000 seniors' grocery lifeline. "The boxes contain wholesome foods from domestic farms, and similar to the Farmers to Families Food Box, fresh foods," the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in an email to CBS MoneyWatch, adding that the MAHA initiative could "supplant or complement" existing programs. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the USDA awarded nearly $3 billion in contracts through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. The program successfully delivered over 176 million food boxes to individuals and families in need across the country, relying on more than 200 contractors to distribute the boxes during the pandemic. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — The Share Food Program has provided 32-pound food boxes to more than 300,000 children and over 4,000 seniors in Philadelphia, many of whom earn less than $23,000 a year. According to CBS MoneyWatch, Matysik challenged the Trump administration's claim that current food bank offerings are nutritionally inadequate, explaining that their boxes contain lean proteins, pasta, and canned vegetables suitable for seniors—many of whom struggle with grocery access. He expressed concern that MAHA's emphasis on fresh, perishable food might not meet the needs of seniors who depend on shelf-stable staples. Matysik also emphasized the logistical difficulties of getting fresh produce from farms to doorsteps without dedicated MAHA proposal arrives amid broader reductions in federal nutrition aid. In March, the Trump administration redirected $1 billion in school and food bank funding toward sourcing from local producers, according to Politico. The impact has already been felt. On April 13, CT Insider reported that Connecticut Foodshare CEO Jason Jakubowski said that 34 federal food shipments were canceled without explanation, disrupting supplies to over 600 food banks statewide. In April, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollinsfor Arkansas' proposal to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program purchases of soda and candy, aligning with the MAHA initiative's focus on improving nutrition. Separately, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. last month announced plans to phase out synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply, as part of broader efforts to enhance dietary health. Read Next: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: . 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article 'We Have No Details,' Says Food Program Director As Trump's 'MAHA Boxes' Threaten 730,000 Seniors' Grocery Lifeline originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
