JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) is working around federal cuts to programs to maintain food availability for the community.
The food bank relies on several federal food assistance programs, like:
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
- The Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA)
- The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)
Susan King, the President and CEO of FNEFL, said the food they get through programs like CCC and LFPA were cancelled.
King said the impact from the CCC is one they’re feeling now.
“So probably the most significant is the cancellation of the commodity credit corporation funding,” King said. “For us that translates to eight loads, tractor trailer loads. Seven of which are protein that we are not going to receive. That is food we had planned for and rely upon that has an approximate value of $850,000.”
FNEFL said the LFPA cancellation hasn’t affected its daily operations because the contract wasn’t supposed to start until September. However, the cancellation will significantly reduce food supply in the coming months.
The organization said it is monitoring the status of more than 25 preordered TEFAP shipments that haven’t arrived.
Those federal programs account for approximately 16% of the food FNEFL distributes, including fresh produce and meat purchased from local Florida farms and growers.
The food bank said the uncertainty impacts its ability to plan and ensure consistent food availability for the communities it serves.
“Our food bank has consistently demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, just as we did during COVID-19,” King said. “Much like the people and families we serve, we are working hard to meet these challenges head-on, even during times of uncertainty. Just as the individuals we serve need our help, we now need the help of our community more than ever. While it has always been necessary, the support of our friends and neighbors is absolutely critical now with the implementation of these policy changes. With your continued generosity and partnership, we know we will navigate this situation successfully.”
FNEFL said it will continue to work with elected officials, state leadership, Florida farming partners, donors, and other food banks to find solutions.
“Well, we go out and purchase as best we can in the open market, and we work through a lot of brokers and we purchase,” King said. “But that can only go on so long; we don’t have excess funds or not enough if it turns out to be a long-term fund.”
Anyone interested in donating to FNEFL can click here.