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Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Food pantry leaders plead with Lawler to save SNAP, other programs to fight hunger
CONGERS - Rockland leaders on the frontlines of tackling food insecurity said their already-strapped feeding programs face even greater threats from the One Big Beautiful Bill now wending its way through Congress. Several leaders raised the alarm during a press conference at the offices of the nonprofit TOUCH, a member of the Rockland Community Against Hunger coalition, on Tuesday, July 1, calling on their congressional representative, Rep. Mike Lawler, to protect the programs. "We run out of food consistently," said Nathan Mungin III, executive director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Multi-Purpose Center. Anita Dreichler, coordinator of Rockland Community Against Hunger, warned that the impact of current and future cuts "is going to be immense." The Senate passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Tuesday. It will now head back to the House for another vote. Here's the double whammy Rockland agency leaders warned about: The Trump administration has already cut funds to The Emergency Food Assistance Program, known as TEFAP, which benefits farmers by purchasing food from them and sending it to states to distribute to food banks and feeding programs. Current versions of the bill now in congressional negotiations embed years-long changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. Cuts to TEFAP force the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to buy more food at higher costs to meet its partners' needs, COO Nick Pisani said. The Regional Food Bank supplies 23 New York counties from Rockland to the Canadian border. Those costs hit local feeding programs in the amount provided and in quality too. Pisani noted that direct-from-farm purchases are high quality and nutritious. Medicaid cuts from federal bill? House budget bill: Nearly 1.5M in NY could lose health coverage under House GOP cuts Julian Palmer, who leads TOUCH, noted that the spending bill passed the House by 215-214, with Lawler voting yes; he could be among those who could flip the script by changing his vote or demanding a better bill. Ciro Riccardi, a spokesman for Lawler, said on July 1 that Lawler 'has been fighting for TEFAP and SNAP in the One Big Beautiful Bill, as the legislation is geared to encouraging states to correct bureaucratic inefficiencies." "The Senate's bill extended the deadline for states to get their error rates under 6% and avoid incurring a percentage of the cost share," Riccardi notes, adding that New York has one of the highest error rates in the country and that overpayments nationwide are wasting $10 billion a year. "Rep. Lawler actively addressed concerns to the Agriculture committee, successfully advocating for the removal of the quality control zero-tolerance section from the Senate bill," Riccardi said. "The office has also sent a letter to the USDA highlighting issues with potential TEFAP cuts to ensure these vital programs remain protected for Hudson Valley families.' Nyack Center executive director Kim Cross said Lawler can cut deals, like what was done in the Senate, to protect programs that help the children served by the community center. Nyack Center offers weekend food packages through a program with People to People called "In the Bag." Soup Angels, a food kitchen, also helps Nyack Center families all year round. "There are opportunities to mitigate the choices that can be made," Cross said. SNAP: How many in NY, Hudson Valley could lose food stamps under GOP bill? Revised rules for SNAP eligibility could throw 300,000 New York households off monthly food payments, groups warn. About 53,000 Rockland residents currently rely on SNAP. Mungin said the MLK Center's food distributions are slated for the early evening because many of the 300 families who turn out are working during the day. "It's notable people aren't looking for a handout," he said. "They're looking for a way to make their budgets." Tracie Pucci volunteers at People to People, the county's largest food pantry. She also is provided supplemental food from the pantry, she said, but only when she needs it. For People to People, the loss of TEFAP means the loss of 250 tons of USDA goods that get to the Nanuet-based feeding program via the Regional Food Bank, board chairman emeritus Joe Allen said. The cost to replace that fresh food: around $1 million. Cuts to SNAP will send more people to the pantry, Allen said, as the Great Recession, Hurricane Sandy, COVID and government cuts have in the past. Pucci agreed that many, including those like her who receive SNAP, still need help from People to People and other feeding programs. The income cutoff for such support is annual gross earnings of $40,560 for a family of four or under — double for people who are disabled. Pucci asked Lawler to put his family in her shoes. "I'd like to ask Mr. Lawler, what is my family to do?" she asked." I'm begging you go vote no." This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Mike Lawler called to act as food pantries condemn Big Beautiful Bill
Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Need help paying rent, electricity or buying food in South Florida?
Many families in South Florida are struggling financially. If you're having trouble paying rent, keeping the lights on, or putting food on the table, several federal, state and local programs offer assistance. Here's how to access them. If you're struggling, you're not alone—these resources can provide real relief when you need it most: Rental assistance Miami-Dade PHCD Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Phone: 305-723-1815. Apply here Broward County The main rental program has ended, but emergency funds are still available through nonprofit partners. More info here Palm Beach County Offers temporary assistance for rent and utility payments. Official site Also available: Miami-Dade's rental waitlist is open offers up to $500 to help seniors pay rent. Utility assistance LIHEAP – Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Provides direct payments to power companies like to $1,300 per year per is given to households with seniors, children, or people with through your local county or community center. Where to apply: Miami-Dade: Apply hereBroward: More infoPalm Beach: More info Food assistance SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) Monthly benefits on an EBT card for use at supermarkets, farmers markets, and even via the DCF MyACCESS portal: Apply here TEFAP – Free Food Distribution The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides free fresh and canned foods through Feeding South Florida and other food one near you Cash assistance Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Monthly cash support for pregnant people or those with be used for rent, food, and basic through be used alongside SNAP and Medicaid. Not sure where to start? Call 211 Dial 211, available 24/7 in English and Spanish, across all South Florida be connected to local services for housing, food, employment, mental health, and can also visit: Documents needed to apply Valid IDProof of income or unemploymentRecent utility or rent billsProof of residency (lease or utility bill) Note that help is available, but programs vary by county and may only run while funds last.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Weir loses state food aid as emergency program funding fails
WEIR. Kan. — One Southeast Kansas community program that receives commodities from the state is now on pause. Once a month, the city of Weir receives commodities from the state to give to residents who are in need of food. However, this month city leaders received word from the Emergency Food Assistance Program or TEFAP that funding to deliver to communities like Weir didn't come through. That caused the community to cancel this month's commodities distribution. About 35 residents from Weir, Scammon and West Mineral take advantage of the program each month, receiving canned and frozen foods. 'Some of them are elderly, and if they don't get it from us, they don't get it. You know, some of them get snap, but that's kind of in the range of being cut, too. So, if they you know, these people, they get hungry like everybody. You know, they need the food,' said Milt Alexander. Alexander says without federal funding for this program, he's now concerned about other commodities programs aimed at feeding seniors. He says they don't know if they'll be able to pick the program back up in July or not. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Study shows an increase in child food insecurity in Cass County
Like nearly every county in in the United States, Cass County is affected by child food insecurity daily. According to a study released last week by Feeding America called Map the Meal Gap, about 1 in 6, or 18.1%, of children in Cass County are experiencing food insecurity. The numbers mirror Food Finders Food Bank's overall 16-county service area, which is about 1 in 5 children (20%). The service area includes Cass, Howard, Miami, Carroll, Fulton and Pulaski counties. 'Leveraging the data in this year's study will help us address challenges shared with us by people facing hunger and identify local ways to support our community,' said Kier Crites Muller, president/CEO of Food Finders. 'Hunger remains an urgent crisis throughout our 16-county service area. When we listen to our neighbors facing hunger and use the study's findings, we can unite to create a future where everyone, including children, can access the nutritious food they need to thrive. 'This mission becomes even more critical as threats to vital social safety net programs like SNAP, TEFAP, and Medicaid could worsen food insecurity for our most vulnerable populations, particularly children who rely on these essential services.' Map the Meal Gap, now in its 15th year, is the only study that provides local-level estimates of food insecurity and food costs for every county and congressional district. The study builds upon USDA's most recent national and state data report, which showed 47 million people, including 14 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2023, the highest rate in over a decade. Map the Meal Gap emphasizes the need for the public to join the movement to end hunger. 'Food Finders is thankful to our agency partners in Cass County for being an essential partner in the fight against hunger,' the press release said. 'Their determination and countless volunteer hours have a tangible impact on our communities.' Food Finders' partners in Cass County include: • Emmaus Mission Center ( 19 W. Richardville St., Logansport. Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mon., Wed., Fri.; 4 to 6 p.m. Wed. • Felix's Pantry, 410 W. Miami Ave., Logansport. Hours: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thurs. • Logansport Salvation Army ( 620 Wilkinson St., Logansport. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Tues. and Thurs. • Trinity Episcopal Church, 319 Seventh St., Logansport. Hours: 3 to 5:30 p.m. on second and fourth Wednesday of month, or call 574-753-2733 for appt. Other key findings of Map the Meal Gap include: • Overall, food insecurity rates increased in Cass County, with 15.8%, or 1 in 7 residents experiencing food insecurity. • Nationally, more than 2 out of 5 people facing hunger may not qualify for SNAP benefits due to income limits. In Cass County, 46% of people facing hunger may not qualify for SNAP. • Food Finders serves communities with food insecurity ranging from 13% in Clinton County to 16.7% in Miami County. • Food insecurity also varies for different age groups. Among children, food insecurity in Food Finders 16-county service area ranges from 14.2% in Clinton County to 23.4% in Howard County. • In Food Finders' 16-county service area, available data by race/ethnicity shows that 14% of white individuals, 33% of Black individuals, and 24% of Latino individuals experienced food insecurity in 2023. Map the Meal Gap used publicly available data from USDA Economic Research Service, U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics to estimate local food insecurity at the county, congressional district and state levels. The study also estimates local meal costs and food budget shortfalls using food price data from NIQ, based on USDA's Thrifty Food Plan, and grocery sales tax data for every county and state in the country. To see more information and view the map, visit For more information about Food Finders Food Bank, visit
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Federal cuts affect regional food access; more uncertainty to come
Ashley Baker, strategic initiatives coordinator at the Great Plains Food Bank, stocks food in a wellness pantry. (Courtesy of Great Plains Food Bank) Proposed cuts to the federal food assistance program are coming at a time when agencies addressing hunger in North Dakota are already facing lost revenue and increased need. 'There's a lot of uncertainty right now,' said Darby Njos, spokeswoman for Great Plains Food Bank in Fargo. 'We're still urging lawmakers to support programs that help people get back on their feet while knowing that the needs of people continue to shift.' The most recent hit to federal food assistance are proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Known as SNAP, this is a federally funded program that gives money for groceries to eligible low-income households – mostly older adults, people with disabilities, and families with children. A budget bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week would end federal nutrition benefits for millions and shift some costs to states, according to an analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The bill still needs to be considered by the U.S. Senate. More than 3 million people would lose SNAP benefits under GOP bill, nonpartisan report says Great Plains Food Bank is the only food bank in North Dakota and distributes food to those in need throughout the state and Clay County, Minnesota. Earlier this year it lost about $1.3 million in funding and food because of federal cuts, Njos said. Some of those cuts were through a program that allowed the food bank to purchase meat and produce from local farmers. This year Great Plains Food Bank expected three rounds of funding, each around $1 million. The first round came through, the second round of funding was paused and then reinstated. The food bank has been informed it won't receive the third round, Njos said. 'We worked directly with several farmers, and we had to have some tough conversations,' she said. 'We don't have the ability to make those purchases without that funding.' In addition, the food bank will not receive summer deliveries of food through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). These deliveries equaled about $300,000 in food. The nonprofit was able to raise about $250,000 in private funds to help offset those losses, but the cuts are still felt. 'Those cuts impact our day-to-day work,' Njos said. 'We're working hard to fill in those gaps.' States on the hook for billions under U.S. House GOP bill making them help pay for SNAP In 2024, the food bank served 151,000 people in North Dakota and Clay County. About one-third of those served are children; 16% are seniors, Njos said. 'These are vulnerable populations that don't have a lot of options if they're hungry,' Njos said. 'You don't want them worrying about where to get their next meal.' About 28% of Great Plains Food Bank's food sourcing traditionally comes through government programs. While some funding and commodities are still being received, the loss of purchasing power strains resources. 'We've had to adapt quickly,' Njos said. 'These cuts are real, and they're being felt at every level.' Susie Boelter is executive director of North Country Food Bank, which serves part of Grand Forks County in North Dakota and 21 counties in northwestern and western Minnesota. This food bank has seen what Boelter calls 'staggering increases' of use over the past three years. Cutting federal food assistance would add to that need. 'If there are cuts to SNAP that would have a huge impact on us,' Boelter said. 'For every meal we provide (through the food bank), SNAP provides nine.' North Country Food Bank has seen some shifts in which federal contracts are funded but it hasn't seen a loss in overall federal revenue. Boelter said it's still time for additional help – not less. 'Any additional cuts will put a ton of pressure on our emergency food system,' she said. 'Food banks are good at getting food into the hands of people who need it, but it's time to sound the alarm.' One bright spot in food assistance is that federal funding for summer food programs remains in place, according to Melissa Anderson, assistant director for Child Nutrition and Food Distribution Programs at the state Department of Public Instruction. Two federal programs – Summer Food Service and the Summer EBT – provide nutrition for North Dakota students who have access to free and reduced-cost meals during the school year. This summer 42 schools and nonprofits are offering a free meal or snack at over 130 sites throughout North Dakota. In addition, the state Department of Public Instruction works with the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute EBT cards worth $120 to eligible students. Households have 120 days to use those dollars to purchase groceries, Anderson said. The state expects about 44,000 students will be eligible. These summer programs are successful in getting food to those who need it, and Anderson is optimistic the funding will remain. She also acknowledges that policies and funding streams can change quickly. 'Every day there's new information,' Anderson said. 'We're trying to stay positive but there are a lot of unknowns.' Lawmakers earlier this year approved $5 million in grant funding for the Great Plains Food Bank through the state Department of Agriculture to support the construction of a new statewide distribution center. The state's investment will be matched by private donations raised by the agency. The food bank is preparing to break ground in 2027. This investment reflects the region's commitment to taking care of their neighbors, Njos said. 'We've always thrived in times of crisis,' said Njos. 'North Dakotans stand up when their neighbors are in need, and we'll continue doing whatever it takes to ensure no one goes hungry.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
