The Greater Chicago Food Depository is gravely concerned by the White House budget office memo that orders a temporary pause in federal financial assistance.
We call on the White House to rescind this memo and for both the legislative and judicial branches to oppose any order that would freeze federal funding for programs and organizations that provide essential services to millions of Americans.
At this moment we are still seeking details about which programs are impacted by this order and the scope of payments that will be withheld. The memo’s lack of clarity is causing widespread uncertainty and anxiety among the communities we serve.
It is our understanding that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid will not be impacted for the time being. But we remain concerned that the order will pause federal funding for other vital benefits and social service programs. Any reduction to the safety net, even temporary, will increase hunger and poverty.
If the order applies to funding for the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Food Depository and food banks across the nation would be directly impacted. TEFAP empowers food banks to purchase American-produced food for local hunger relief. In fiscal year 2024, approximately 28% of the food we distributed was from government sources including TEFAP. At a time when millions of Americans could lose access to critical benefits and services, the charitable food system may not have the ability to respond to an exponential increase in need.
The magnitude of unnecessary hardship would be further amplified if this order applies to federal funding for childcare, housing assistance, and other critical supports. In addition to the devastating impact on families, it could destabilize an incalculable number of vital nonprofit organizations in Chicago, across Illinois and throughout the United States.
The Food Depository joins human service organizations and advocates across the country calling for an immediate stop to this order. We ask the White House and Congressional leaders to consider the widespread devastation this will cause families and communities across the United States and take urgent action to reverse course.
In the meantime, the Food Depository continues its daily operations of distributing food across Chicago and Cook County through our network of community partners. Food is still available for anyone who needs it. We will continue to share information with our partners and neighbors as more details become available.
We will continue to advocate on behalf of our neighbors who experience poverty and hunger. To learn more and get involved, visit our advocacy website and sign-up for future advocacy action alerts.
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