Paul Backovich’s Post

What a thought-provoking article! Food Banks are advocating to continue the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program. Read more below and consider adding your voice to help.

December 31,2024 marks a critical time for those centered on food insecurity when it comes to SNAP. With a change in administration, concerns over card skimming and a possible budget neutral approach to the program (even with higher food costs), 2025 could mark some critical impacts for hunger relief. FoodBridge, LLC is committed to enabling hunger relief organizations with the technology and resources necessary to meet the increasing demand for food and nutrition for our insecure neighbors. https://lnkd.in/eMhzinn8

I have several reactions to the recent (and very important) Oregon State Policy Analysis Lab report that shows a 9.2% increase in food insecurity in Oregon over a period ending in 2023. 1. It underscores the 28% increase in meals served at Blanchet House & Farm in 2023 compared to 2022. 2. It underscores the record number of meals served at Blanchet House so far in 2024, up as much as 30% in some months compared to 2023. 3. The extraordinary increase of food insecurity in rural Oregon is important because as resource scarcity in those communities increases, people will seek resources in urban centers, which suggests greater numbers of people needing Blanchet House's services in 2025. We'll be ready! 4. Predicted cuts to SNAP benefits in the Farm Bill that will be passed by the new Congress will exacerbate the benefits cliff already affecting thousands of Oregonians, which will then further increase the need for Blanchet House's services in 2025. We'll be ready! 5. The projected increased need for food coupled with disruptions to the food chain that could result from labor impacts in agricultural and related sectors will require enhanced gleaning and food rescue efforts -- something Blanchet House is poised to do in support of our colleague food pantries and meal service organizations. We are ready to lead in 2025 to help meet the need for food in our community!

The farm bill plays a crucial role in global food security, offering aid through food shipments, market vouchers, and support for local farmers. Reauthorizing this bill is vital for sustaining efforts to alleviate hunger and enhance food security worldwide. Urge your senators and representatives to support the reauthorization of the farm bill: https://lnkd.in/e6eW967A #FarmBill #GlobalHunger #FoodSecurity #Hunger #EndHunger

Food insecurity prompted by a major crisis like a wildfire is exactly the type of situation that food banks and pantries are designed for. They help people struggling to recover from the loss of their home and/or livelihood access to the food they need today. BUT it is incredibly important that we don't lean on this answer long-term- because a lack of food isn't the problem. Following the establishment of emergency food programs that make sure everyone eats today, it's time to address barriers to housing, employment, and healthcare (and honestly examine the impacts of colonialism and oppression) to build food security. Food banks and pantries should only be used as a crutch parallel to implementing food systems change. https://lnkd.in/gYxR3fa8

Here at Collective Food Works one of our biggest goals is to reduce the amount of people suffering from food insecurity via educational posts and programs. While the amount of people suffering from food insecurity and poverty has stabilized since the end of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, "an estimated 1.2 million (14.6%) New York City residents were food insecure" according to the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy annual 2022 Food Metrics Annual Report. Not shockingly, "New York City’s residents make up 50% of all food insecure people living in New York State". The city has been working to help battle food insecurity with a variety of programs such as SNAP, but it has done little to help New Yorkers who are struggling to feed themselves due to rising costs of living. So, what is the solution? Well, outside of inflation, part of the rising cost of food in the city comes from the fact that much of our food comes from great distances. We touched on this in our last post where we shed light on America's growing dependence on imported food. While the concrete scenery of New York City does not make it easy for it's population to produce their own food, GrowNYC is an organization focused on increasing the amount of farmers in the area. If you are interested in joining their Farmer Assistance's Beginning Farmer Program or supporting their cause, be sure to check them out.

In 2023, County Executive Steuart Pittman created the Anne Arundel County Food Council by executive order. Hosted by the Partnership for Children, Youth and Families and facilitated by Due East, the Food Council came together to address the root causes of food insecurity. Due East played a pivotal role in bringing together a diverse group of local food providers, producers, and distributors, fostering a collective vision and shared plan to ensure everyone has equitable access to affordable, healthy food. 🍎 This strategic plan combines safety-net programs such as food banks and pantries with long-term solutions that aim to strengthen local farming and community gardens. 🧑🌾 The ultimate goal is to ensure that individuals earn enough income to afford healthy food for themselves and their families. #socialimpactleaders #sustainablecommunities #togetherwethrive

Alleviating Hunger: The Role of Organizations in Food Security In this video, we discuss the importance of organizations like Great Plains Food Bank in providing food security and alleviating hunger. Discover how we can improve distribution to meet the needs of those facing food insecurity. #AlleviatingHunger #FoodSecurity #FoodBank #HungerRelief #DistributionProblem #NoOneGoesHungry #CommunitySupport #FoodAssistance #FightHunger #EndingHunger

Did you know that the NH Food Bank has a Fresh Rescue Program that works to combat food waste? This #EarthDay we wanted to share a little about this program and how combating food waste is essential in the fight against hunger. According to Feeding America, each year more than 92 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States – equal to approximately 145 billion meals. These are foods that are still perfectly safe to eat, but may be oddly shaped, approaching sell-by or expiration dates, slightly damaged in transport or just didn’t sell*. Here in the Granite State, the NH Food Bank works with grocery partners to collect, or enable our partner agencies to recover fresh meat and poultry that would otherwise be disposed of through our Fresh Rescue Program. These high-quality protein products are collected by or distributed to our more than 400 partner agencies throughout New Hampshire and are also used in our Culinary Job Training Program to prepare nutritional cuisine for distribution to our agencies. In 2023, this program recovered more than 236,837 pounds of food – keeping perfectly good food out of the landfill and available for our neighbors experiencing hunger. By supporting the NH Food Bank and programs like these you’re helping nourish our communities statewide. Learn more about NH Food Bank and our programs at: nhfoodbank.org/what-we-do *Source: Feeding America: https://lnkd.in/gZEpbCCp

🌟 FANTASTIC News for Food Banks and Local Food Organizations! 🌟 The USDA is investing $1.13 billion to strengthen local food systems, connecting farmers with food banks, schools, and—now for the first time—child care facilities. This funding includes $471.5 million for school meal programs, $188.6 million for child care, and $100 million for Tribal governments, ensuring access to nutritious, locally produced food. Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt and Deputy Under Secretary Cindy Long are leading this transformative effort, supporting local economies, underserved communities, and a resilient agricultural future. This is a game-changer for farmers, families, and communities nationwide! 🌱💪 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eMjyJHVc Hear more from the USDA at Food as Medicine Network #Live2025. Sheila Fleischhacker Caree Cotwright Deirdra Chester, PhD, RDN #USDA #FoodSecurity #Funding